Psychosis

Psychosis is a severe mental health problem that can cause hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Jay Rivas, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and his experienced colleagues at NuMind Psychiatry help people through psychosis at offices in Seattle and Kennewick, Washington. They perform thorough evaluations and develop personalized psychosis treatment plans to help patients regain clarity. Reach out to NuMind Psychiatry by phone or request an appointment online today to get the expert support you or your loved one needs.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a serious mental health problem that affects how the brain processes information and causes someone to lose touch with reality. Common signs of psychosis include the following:

• Hearing voices or seeing things that others don’t
• Strong beliefs that don’t match reality
• Paranoia (thinking others are out to get you)
• Confused or jumbled speech
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Difficulty focusing or completing tasks

Symptoms may develop over time but can appear suddenly, and they’re often frightening or confusing for the person experiencing them.

What causes psychosis?

Psychosis has many causes. It may be symptomatic of a mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. Sleep deprivation, substance misuse, brain injuries, and certain medical conditions can also trigger psychosis.

At NuMind Psychiatry, Dr. Rivas and his colleagues carefully evaluate each patient to understand the root cause of their psychosis and offer appropriate care.

How is psychosis diagnosed?

Understanding why someone has psychosis requires a complete diagnostic assessment. NuMind Psychiatry looks at medical and mental health history, symptoms, and any recent life events or substance use.

Sometimes, Dr. Rivas and his colleagues use lab tests or brain imaging to rule out physical conditions. A clear and accurate diagnosis helps guide the next steps.

How is psychosis treated?

Psychosis treatments include the following:

Medication

Antipsychotic medications can reduce or stop hallucinations and delusions.

Therapy

Talk therapy helps patients understand their thoughts, manage stress, and develop coping skills.

Support services

Help with work, school, or daily life can also make a big difference for people affected by psychosis.

NuMind Psychiatry tailors treatment to each patient’s needs, working closely with families and other healthcare or social care providers when it benefits the patient.

Can someone recover after experiencing psychosis?

With proper care, many people recover from psychosis. Even if you have an incurable disorder like schizophrenia, treatment helps you manage your symptoms.

Early intervention improves outcomes, so it’s essential to seek help as soon as symptoms appear. With the right combination of medication, therapy, and support from loved ones, people with psychosis can manage their condition and lead productive, fulfilling lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, NuMind Psychiatry helps patients regain stability and rebuild confidence. Call the office to request an expert evaluation or use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.