When there is a break between consciousness and reality, we speak of . These types of mental illnesses are among those considered serious, and can seriously affect the life of those who suffer from them.
The appearance of psychotic breaks occurs in various mental pathologies and can be due to multiple causes. Its most frequent appearance usually occurs at the time when adulthood begins, at approximately 25 years of age. However, a psychotic break can appear at any age.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is the term used to refer to mental health problems in which the patient loses contact with reality. This implies serious problems in understanding whether what is happening around us is real or not.
In this type of disease, the perception and thought processes are affected, even making it impossible for the person to understand what is happening. It is common to have hallucinations, understanding these as a type of “objectless perceptions” (Álvarez, 2013).
According to Lacan (1958), one can speak of psychosis only by corroborating that in this disconnection with reality there is an absence of any deficit (motor skills, memory, perception, speech and orientation) that can be detected through tests of abilities. .
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What is a psychotic break?
Psychotic breaks appear temporarily; They imply a break with reality. Of course, presenting a psychotic break does not necessarily imply having a diagnosis of psychosis as a mental disorder.
Symptoms of psychotic breaks
The manifestations of psychotic breaks vary from person to person. However, it becomes evident that there are changes in the emotional state of the person who presents them. Some common symptoms are:
On a physical level
- Neglect of your physical appearance.
- Lack of personal hygiene.
- Changes in the way of dressing.
On a mental/emotional level
- Appearance of confusing thoughts that can make it difficult to understand what is being said.
- Low level of motivation to carry out activities, even those that are pleasurable.
- High levels of anxiety.
- Hallucinations.
- False beliefs or delusions that generally lack coherence and differ from reality.
- Sensation of feeling strange within reality.
- Sudden mood changes.
- Problems concentrating on any activity.
At a behavioral level
- Social isolation. Avoiding daily activities, such as attending classes or work.
- Disorganized behavior.
- Changes in sleeping habits.
- Unexplained behavioral changes that can range from lethargy to high excitability.
On a social level
- Avoidance of social contact with others.
- Problems interacting.
- Difficulties communicating with other people.
Causes of psychosis
There is no single cause for the appearance of psychotic outbreaks or psychosis, as this responds to a wide variety of factors. It is known that in many cases there is an important genetic component.
In addition to this, it is necessary to take into account that experiencing traumatic situations can trigger these types of problems. The same happens with the consumption of certain substances such as alcohol, drugs and even due to drug interactions.
Physical traumas such as accidents, blows, falls, etc., can affect the functioning of the brain, causing the appearance of delusions and hallucinations, both symptoms related to psychotic outbreaks.
How is psychosis treated?
The approach to psychosis must be carried out by mental health professionals, who will be in charge of first making a diagnosis. Treatment of this psychopathology includes:
Psychotherapy. It can be at an individual or group level, and even both methodologies at the same time, which allow us to understand what is happening, be aware of the problem and the symptoms to try to get to the root of the matter.
Pharmacological therapy. For the treatment of psychoses, pharmacotherapy is essential, as it helps to achieve a balance in brain chemistry and to alleviate and even completely suppress the associated symptoms. You must be extremely careful with this type of treatment, and follow the treating doctor’s instructions to the letter.
Family support. For people with psychosis it is of great importance to have family support. For this, it is important that the members of your closest circle educate themselves about it and acquire strategies to be able to deal with psychotic outbreaks.
How to act in the event of a psychotic break?
In the face of a psychotic outbreak, it can be very difficult to know what is the right way to act, since it is not possible to know what is happening in the mind of the person experiencing the outbreak.
However, it is important to provide support, but never in an overwhelming way, such as trying to hug the person. The most advisable thing is to try to take him to a safe place and remove objects with which he could harm himself or third parties.
It is not only about keeping the person away from knives or weapons, it is about preventing them from using any nearby object to defend themselves or harm themselves, in response to the hallucinations and/or delusions they may be experiencing at that moment.
If you think you are having psychotic breaks or suspect that someone may be experiencing them, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Talk about your symptoms with your doctor or directly seek therapeutic help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Mental disorders are much more common than most people usually think. It is important to have an adequate and accurate diagnosis to be able to create an approach strategy and receive the appropriate treatment.
Bibliographic references:
- Álvarez, JM (2013). Studies on psychosis. Pensodrome.
- Lacan, J. (1958). From a preliminary question to any possible treatment of psychosis: 509-557.
- Soler, C. (1992). Studies on psychoses. Manantial Editions.