Something is off with your once active and social teenager. He’s no longer taking an interest in his soccer team or going out with friends, and his grades are slipping. When he’s home, he spends most of his time in his room and when he does come around the family, acts almost zombie-like and not himself. He also begins having strange conversations that make little sense. You begin to worry he might be suffering from a serious illness and take him to the doctor, who says psychosis might be the cause.
Many mental health problems begin to appear during adolescence (ages 10 to 19). Psychosis is one of these conditions. It can cause a person to lose touch with reality and is best treated if warning signs are caught early. Knowing how psychosis impacts young people and where to turn for help could save their grades, relationships and even their life.
Warning Signs
- Mood changes: Adolescents with psychosis might be irritable, expressionless, paranoid or lack emotion.
- Mental changes: Psychosis can cause slowed thinking, delusions (exaggerated or false beliefs), confusion or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there). Suicidal thoughts are common.
- Behavior changes: A person with psychosis may begin to separate themselves from friends and family. Their grades in school might start to slip. They likely will not be as interested in their favorite activities. Speech can become jumbled, and the person may not make sense. Their sleep patterns might change.
Associated Conditions
- Schizophrenia: Psychosis is a common feature of schizophrenia, a mental illness that includes changes in thinking, perception, behavior and emotions.
- Bipolar disorder: A person with bipolar disorder may experience psychosis, especially during a manic episode.
Treatment of Psychosis
“Our team conducts a detailed evaluation that includes psychiatric history, cognitive functioning, social circumstances, and functional abilities. Patients and their families play an active role in designing the treatment plan,” says WashU Medicine psychiatrist Daniel Mamah, MD. “Early intervention increases the likelihood of maintaining academic, occupational, and social functioning, preventing long-term disability. It may help preserve brain integrity by reducing progressive changes often associated with untreated psychosis.”
Treatment may include:
- Therapy: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and family counseling are two therapies that can help with psychosis.
- Medications: Anti-psychotics, anti-depressants and other medications are effective at reducing psychotic symptoms.
- Hospitalization: At times, in-patient hospitalization may be necessary if a person in psychosis is a danger to themselves or others.
WashU Medicine Psychiatry
WashU Medicine psychiatrists are here to help. Dr. Mamah specializes in psychosis risk, schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorders. Please call 314-362-6952 for an appointment.