Psychosis is a health condition that affects the way a human brain processes information. At least three out of 100 people experience psychosis during their lifetime. So, it is not something that you need to fret about if you are suffering or know someone going through the same.
There can also be a late onset of psychosis in the elderly. If there is early intervention, you can treat psychosis successfully. This article takes a look at all the causes, symptoms, and treatment measures for the condition.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a condition where the thinking abilities and perceptions of individuals get affected. They might face difficulties in determining what are real things. At the same time, they may also detect things that never exist.
People who suffer from this condition may hear voices, see people or other items, and smell an odour that others cannot. They might also get a feeling of being in trouble or that someone wants to harm them.
As delusions feel real to them, such people may be unaware that they suffer from this condition. Psychosis remains a vital symptom of schizophrenia and can be overwhelming. In some cases, people may even harm them or hurt others.
What are the causes of psychosis?
Here are some factors that can lead to the condition.
- Genetic factors
Studies have shown that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have a common genetic cause.
- Brain alterations
The differences in some brain chemicals can lead to the condition. It especially includes the neurotransmitter dopamine activity.
- Lack of sleep
It can also act as a trigger for the condition.
What are the symptoms of psychosis?
Here are some elderly psychosis symptoms to detect the condition.
- Delusions
Individuals suffer from speculative fears, suspicions, and things that are not true.
- Hallucinations
Individuals can see, smell, hear or feel about things that are not real.
- Catatonia
Individuals do not respond to others.
- Jumbled behaviour and speech
The speech and behaviour might not make any sense to others.
- Other issues
Primary psychiatric disorders, drug-induced psychosis, and dementia-related syndromes with psychosis make for some of the most common causes of psychosis in the elderly.
What is the diagnosis of psychosis?
People with the condition should resort to early medical treatment as it can be beneficial both in the short and long term. The first episode of psychosis in old age should be the starting point for immediate treatment.
- Early diagnosis
A person with the condition may experience it first during their early adulthood. So early treatment can help in the long run. If a person experiences frequent mood swings, the reduced focus at work, increased tendency of being unsocial, or distress, doctors check the possibilities of a psychotic disorder.
- Diagnostics tests
When diagnosing the conditions, doctors conduct a clinical examination. They also ask for the history of a person concerning their family history of illnesses, their daily lifestyle, use of drugs or medicines, or any other symptoms. Doctors might also suggest urinalysis, blood tests, or electroencephalogram (EEG) to check the brain activity.
What are the treatments for psychosis?
Here are various measures of treatment for psychosis in the elderly.
- Antipsychotic drugs
Individuals suffering from psychotic illness can take antipsychotic drugs. They reduce symptoms like schizophrenia. However, they are not a complete cure for underlying conditions. Individuals should consume antipsychotic drugs based on the prescriptions from doctors only as these can have adverse effects on the body.
- Acute and maintenance phases of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia involves two phases of antipsychotic treatment. These include the acute phase and maintenance phase. In the acute phase, doctors might recommend rapid tranquilization. It helps individuals in reducing the tendency of harming themselves or others. The phase gets carried out in a hospital setting.
The maintenance phase does not require the individual to be in a hospital. Antipsychotic drugs help to keep things stable. However, things could relapse if individuals stop consuming the medicines.
Bottom line
Psychosis can make individuals and people around them anxious. However, prompt treatment helps in managing the condition. It is critical to follow the doctor-prescribed treatment to prevent the relapse of symptoms. It can also lead to other mental conditions.
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