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Psychosis & Schizoaffective Disorder

Psychosis

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. You might see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it. Psychosis is a word to describe a set of symptoms that include delusions, hallucinations and disturbed thinking. The experience of these symptoms is called a psychotic episode.

Psychotic episodes can vary in length: they can last for a few days; they can continue indefinitely until they are treated, or they can come and go. If you have a psychotic episode, you may be unaware that you are unwell. You may believe that what you are experiencing is happening and that you are being followed, that your life is at risk, or that you are being threatened, for instance. Mental health professionals call this ‘lack of insight’.

 

Psychosis is a symptom of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. It can also be a symptom of dementia, some forms of personality disorder and Parkinson’s disease. People who abuse drugs and alcohol sometimes experience symptoms of psychosis, and psychosis can occur as a side effect of some types of medication. Psychotic experiences can be triggered by severe stress or anxiety, severe depression or sleep deprivation.

"You can’t change what is going on around you, until you start changing what is going on within you. Be your own kind of beautiful"

Schizoaffective Disorder

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizoaffective Disorder is a mental health disorder that is marked by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorders like depression or mania.

Like other mental health issues, diagnosis can be complicated. Schizoaffective Disorder’s symptoms overlap with Schizophrenia and other mood disorders. Therefore, a diagnosis can be changeable and takes time. Left untreated, it may lead to problems functioning at work and in social situations, causing loneliness and trouble holding down a job or attending school. People with schizoaffective disorder may need assistance and support with daily functioning. Treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Medication combined with social supports and talking therapies can be effective in treating Schizoaffective Disorder.

If you feel you have experienced or are experiencing Schizoaffective Disorder or Psychosis symptoms, please speak with your Doctor or any Medical Health Professional. If you feel you are at risk to yourself or others, please call 999 immediately or your local emergency number

"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending"

Disclaimer

By means of this website, KPSN provides information concerning Mental Health Recovery, Education and General tips and advice on Mental Health & Wellbeing.
While KPSN makes every reasonable effort to provide information that is as comprehensive, accurate and clear as possible, the information provided on this site is necessarily of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of a particular individual. If you wish to find out what your particular position is in your own particular circumstances Please consult your doctor.

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