Recognizing early signs of psychosis

Psychosis describes the experience of losing touch with reality. It can be caused by a variety of mental health issues, medical conditions, and other factors. Psychosis typically involves delusions and/or hallucinations. Delusions are false beliefs for which there’s no evidence. Hallucinations occur when a person hears, sees, feels, tastes, or smells something that isn’t really there. 

Recognizing the signs of early psychosis — also known as first-episode psychosis (FEP) — can help keep yourself or someone else safe. As with other mental health concerns, early detection and intervention can help improve outcomes for people experiencing psychosis. 

Therapy, along with medication and support, can reduce symptoms and improve recovery. Specialized approaches like coordinated specialty care (CSC) can help you manage your symptoms and regain stability.

First signs of psychosis to look for

Psychosis is believed to affect about 3% of the U.S. population. However, only 1% of the U.S. population will develop psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with psychosis in their lifetimes. This means a person can experience an episode of psychosis without having a psychotic disorder.

Psychosis can range in severity and affect different people in different ways. However, some of the most common early warning signs include:

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling or feeling things that other people can’t detect
• Strong unusual thoughts or beliefs that don’t match reality (like believing that you have special powers or that someone you haven’t met is in love with you)
• Increased suspiciousness or paranoia
• Social isolation or withdrawal 
• Mood swings, feeling emotionally numb, or showing little facial expression
• Neglecting self-care, such as hygiene or daily responsibilities.

A note for loved ones: If someone you care about is showing the early signs of psychosis, they may lack insight into their symptoms. So they may need someone else, like a friend or loved one, to encourage them to seek help.

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What are early stages of psychosis like?

During the early stages of psychosis, a person might experience mild symptoms. For example, they may:

• Think something might be wrong with their mind or body (but feel unsure whether their concern is real or imaginary)
• Fear that someone is watching them
• Believe others are talking about them or that ordinary events have special meaning directed at them
• Struggle to control or organize their thoughts
• Notice unusual sensory experiences, like hearing faint voices or seeing shadows that aren’t really there

As you might imagine, early psychosis can be very unsettling. A person may find themselves focusing on a specific thought or idea that they can’t seem to put out of their mind. They may wonder if their mind is “playing tricks” on them, and the world can start to feel strange and unfamiliar. They may also start to wonder if friends or loved ones are conspiring against them or if they’re in some other form of danger. 

With these symptoms, it’s critical to seek professional help as soon as possible. Left untreated, psychosis can continue to worsen over time. But remember that psychotic symptoms are treatable with the right support.

How early intervention can help

Research shows that early intervention can slow, stop, and even reverse the effects of psychosis. So, if you or someone you care about is showing signs of psychosis, don’t hesitate to ask for help. With the right support, people experiencing psychosis can enter recovery and live full, balanced lives.

Today, the most effective approach for treating early psychosis is something called coordinated speciality care (CSC). This typically involves a combination of the following services:

• Therapy: Individual therapy can help people experiencing psychosis learn coping skills, manage their symptoms, improve their resilience, and strengthen their overall well-being.
• Group support: There are a variety of in-person and virtual support groups for people experiencing mental health issues that can involve psychosis. Giving and receiving support in a safe environment can increase self-esteem and combat social isolation.
• Occupational and educational support: Psychosis can affect a person’s ability to function in daily life in important ways. These services can help pave the way for someone to continue working or attending school.
• Family support: The involvement of supportive family members can be an important part of treatment for early psychosis. There are programs to help families learn strategies to support their loved ones’ recovery. 
• Case management: Case managers can help ensure that a person receives coordinated, personalized care as they work to better manage symptoms of psychosis. They can also help with problem-solving, life, and communication skills.
• Medication management: Often, psychosis is treated with medications. A mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, can help ensure that a person receives the best medication for their needs.

Find care with Rula

Early stage psychosis can be confusing, scary, and overwhelming. But it may surprise you to learn that it’s not uncommon. Research shows that approximately 3 out of 100 people will experience psychosis during their lifetimes. And, fortunately, these episodes can be managed and, in some cases, resolved with the right support. Early detection and intervention via coordinated speciality care (CSC) can make a major difference for people experiencing early psychosis. So, if you or someone you care about is showing signs of psychosis, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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