Aftermath of a psychotic break

Psychotic symptoms produce different alterations that are distinguished by the disruption of reality. Those who have a psychotic break have these types of conditions for short periods of time. Once the symptoms subside, it is key to evaluate the possible consequences of a psychotic break.

These types of episodes are a sign of a series of problems that the patient is currently experiencing. Besides, Depending on the qualities of the outbreak, the prognosis may vary. In any case, psychotic breaks produce emotional distress even after symptoms remission.

What is a psychotic break?

A psychotic break would be a transitory episode of psychosis that can have different origins. Although these types of syndromes can arise during the course of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, this is not always the case. A person could live through an outbreak without developing schizophrenia and may never develop any form of psychosis.

Psychotic episodes are distinguished by their abrupt onset, but the causative factors may be chronic.. So how can we know that a person is going through a psychotic crisis? The symptoms that are usually observed are the following:

Delusions about different topics.Visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations.Disorganized language and thinking.Disruptive movements such as walking aimlessly.Catatonic state (the patient remains immobile and does not seem to react to stimuli).

Causes of a psychotic break

Knowing the causes of psychotic episodes is essential to understanding the possible consequences. Depending on the factors that cause it, it is possible to establish more or less positive prognoses for the patient.

One of the most common triggers of psychotic breaks is the use of psychoactive substances.. When used for a long time, they increase the chances of having these types of episodes. Let us remember that drugs alter the normal function of the nervous system, which is why they can cause these symptoms.

On the other hand, acute and chronic stress can be associated with psychotic experiences. In other cases, psychosis attacks could be a sign of a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder. Nevertheless, There are non-psychotic conditions that can also present psychotic symptoms such as bipolarity, depression, borderline personality disorder, etc.

Possible consequences of a psychotic break

Now, what can we expect after a psychotic break? Everything will depend on what factors triggered the episode. In a general sense, One of the consequences of a psychotic break is the discomfort that comes with receiving this diagnosis.. In an article by Valencia (2014), the grief that patients who are diagnosed with some form of psychosis goes through is discussed.

Evidence suggests that psychosis generates a grieving process, as several losses are experienced. For example, The patient may feel that they have lost their “normality” or their “mental health.”. Let us remember that psychotic crises can be the first warning of a mental disorder. Having to adjust to this new situation is a challenge for the patient and his social environment, as it creates changes in life.

In cases of substance abuse, the crisis could be an indicator of severe cognitive impairment and altered psychological processes. In the long term, the ability to do certain things can decrease and lead to difficulties.

Activities, such as studying a career or doing a job, although they would not be impossible, would pose more problems than for others. On the other hand, therapy with antipsychotics, antidepressants or anxiolytics may have unwanted side effects in some patients. Symptoms, such as tachycardia, weight gain or obtundation could be mentioned as sequelae of a psychotic break and its treatment.

It is important to mention that If the necessary care is received, the prognosis improves. Psychological therapy, medications, and social support reduce the likelihood of having another episode in the future. And if it is a psychological disorder, they favor the remission of the symptoms and the patient’s functionality.

Treatment of psychotic breaks

People experiencing psychosis attacks need to be admitted to appropriate hospital centers.. During this type of episode, although it is not common, the patient may try to harm himself or others. Therefore, it is essential that they are in a controlled environment where such scenarios can be prevented.

Afterwards, pharmacological intervention can be initiated if any of the mentioned dangers are perceived. The patient may need to continue taking the drugs for some time, even after the outbreak passes. From there, the psychologist or psychiatrist in charge will evaluate the patient’s situation. In this way, it will be possible to determine what caused the crisis and if it is the result of a psychological disorder.

If so, then an intervention would be planned; It usually includes drugs, but also therapy. Likewise, it would be good to talk to people around the person about what they can expect from them and how to act in situations that may be complicated.

Finally, it should be mentioned that All people are prone to suffering from psychotic crises at some point. Therefore, the key is prevention, practicing good physical and emotional health habits.

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