The Relationship Between Psychosis and Schizophrenia: Key Facts to Know

Psychosis and schizophrenia are phrases that are closely related but are unique from one another. Both of these conditions can have a substantial impact on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. The underlying causes of each condition and the methods used to treat them are very different, even though they share many symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations.

Psychosis is a state of mind where an individual senses separation from reality. The term psychosis is used to characterize this mental condition. This can present itself in a variety of ways, including hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. Psychosis is a symptom, not a disorder, and it can develop as a result of several ailments such as bipolar disorder, depression, and substance use disorders. Chronic psychosis is a symptom that may result from a serious underlying disorder, such as schizophrenia. While many people will have brief spells of psychosis at some point in their lives, the condition is not common.

Schizophrenia is a mental condition that is persistent and severe, and it affects an individual’s thinking as well as how they feel and behave. It is most common in young adults and can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, and trouble with communication and social interaction. The onset of symptoms often occurs in young adulthood. Research reveals that a mix of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. While the specific causes of schizophrenia are not entirely understood, it is believed that the condition can be caused by a combination of these factors.

The duration of symptoms and their degree of intensity are two of the most important aspects that differentiate psychosis from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder that can endure for years or even a lifetime; in contrast to psychosis, which can be a transitory state of mind that only lasts for a few hours or days. Schizophrenia can lead to major impairment in an individual’s capacity to operate in day-to-day life, including trouble with employment, school, and personal relationships, among other areas of functioning.

The tactics taken to treat psychosis and schizophrenia are very different from one another. Although medication may be helpful in the management of symptoms associated with both diseases; counseling and support services are an essential part of the treatment for schizophrenia. Those diagnosed with schizophrenia may find relief from their symptoms and an improvement in their quality of life through the utilization of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and social skills training.

It is crucial to remember that people who have schizophrenia are stigmatized and may be subject to prejudice and marginalization in society. This is something that should not be overlooked. Education and awareness initiatives can help eliminate the stigma that is associated with mental illness, which in turn can help increase access to appropriate care for those who are living with schizophrenia. Those who are diagnosed and treated early for psychosis or schizophrenia have a better chance of managing their symptoms and seeing an overall improvement in their quality of life.

Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/psychosis

Written by TLC Intern: Eri’Yana Smith