Unleashed psychosis. Symptoms of various types of psychoses

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Psychotic disorders and their types

Under definition psychoses there are pronounced manifestations of mental disorders, in which the sick person’s perception and understanding of the world around him is distorted; behavioral reactions are disrupted; Various pathological syndromes and symptoms appear. Unfortunately, psychotic disorders are a common type of pathology. Statistical studies show that the incidence of psychotic disorders is up to 5% of the general population.

A person may develop a transient psychotic state caused by taking certain medications or drugs; or caused by exposure to severe mental trauma ( "reactive" or psychogenic psychosis).
Mental trauma is a stressful situation, illness, job loss, natural disasters, a threat to the lives of loved ones.

Sometimes so-called somatogenic psychoses occur ( developing due to serious somatic pathology, for example, due to myocardial infarction); infectious ( caused by complications after an infectious disease); and intoxication ( for example, delirium tremens).

The manifestations of psychotic syndromes are very extensive, which reflects the richness of the human psyche. The main signs of psychosis are:

• Mood disorders.
• Crazy judgments and ideas.
• Movement disorders.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations vary depending on the analyzer involved: gustatory, auditory, tactile, olfactory, visual. They are also differentiated into simple and complex. Simple ones include apparent calls, noises, and sounds. Difficult ones – voices, speech. The most common hallucination is auditory: a person hears voices inside his head or outside that can command, accuse, or threaten. Sometimes the voices are neutral.

The most dangerous voices are commanding voices, since patients most often absolutely obey them and are ready to carry out all orders, even those that threaten the life and health of other people. Sometimes, due to illness, the main psychological mechanisms, for example, the instinct of self-preservation. In this case, a person under the influence of voices can harm himself. It is not uncommon for patients psychiatric clinics trying to commit suicide because the voice ordered so.

Mood disorders

Mood disorders occur in patients with manic or depressive states. A depressive state is characterized by a triad of main symptoms from which all others follow: decreased mood, decreased activity, decreased libido. Depressed mood, melancholy, motor retardation, decreased cognitive abilities, ideas of guilt and self-blame, pessimism, suicidal ideas - all this characterizes a depressive state.

A manic state is manifested by the opposite symptoms: increased libido, increased activity, increased mood. A person in manic stage, shows increased ability to work. He can stay awake at night and still look active, cheerful, cheerful and tireless. He makes plans and shares fantastic projects with those around him. Particularly characteristic of a manic state is the disinhibition of the sphere of drives: a person begins to behave erratically sex life, drinks a lot, abuses drugs.

All of the above-described manifestations of psychotic disorders belong to the range of disorders called “positive”. This name was given to them because the symptoms that appear during the illness, relatively speaking, are added to the pre-illness behavior and state of the person’s psyche.

Sometimes a person who has suffered a psychotic disorder, despite the obvious disappearance of symptoms, exhibits negative disorders. They have this name because the patient’s character undergoes changes in which everything that was characteristic of him is disrupted: behavior, habits, personal qualities. To put it simply, a lot disappears from the totality of his behavior and his inherent habits. Negative disorders can lead to even more severe social consequences than positive ones.

Patients with negative disorders become uninitiative, lethargic, apathetic, and passive. Their energy tone decreases, dreams and desires, aspirations and motivations disappear, and emotional dullness increases. Such people isolate themselves from the world around them and do not enter into any social contacts. Previously inherent in them such good features how sincerity, kindness, responsiveness, and goodwill are replaced by aggression, irritability, rudeness, and scandalousness. In addition, they develop disorders of cognitive functions, in particular, thinking, which becomes rigid, amorphous, unfocused, and meaningless. Because of this, sick people lose their job qualifications and work skills. Such inability to perform professional activities is a direct road to disability.

Delusional ideas

Delusional judgments, various ideas and conclusions of patients with psychotic syndrome cannot be corrected through explanation and persuasion. They take over the mind of a sick person so much that critical thinking is completely turned off. The content of delusional obsessions is very diverse, but the most common are ideas of persecution, jealousy, external influence on the mind, hypochondriacal ideas, ideas of damage, reformism, and litigiousness.

Delusions of persecution are characterized by the belief of patients that the special services are chasing them, that they will certainly be killed. Delusions of jealousy are more typical for men than for women, and it consists of ridiculous accusations of treason and attempts to extract a confession about it. The delusion of influence on the mind is characterized by the assurances of patients that they are being affected by radiation, under a spell, that aliens are trying to telepathically penetrate their minds.

Hypochondriacal patients claim that they have an incurable, terrible disease. Moreover, their psyche is so convinced of this that the body “adapts” to this belief and a person may actually exhibit symptoms of various diseases that he does not have. Delirium of damage consists of damaging the property of other people, often those who live in the same apartment with a sick person. It can go as far as adding poison to food or stealing personal belongings.

Reformist nonsense consists of constantly producing impossible projects and ideas. However, a sick person does not try to bring them to life; as soon as he comes up with one thing, he immediately abandons this idea and takes on another.

Litigative delirium means constant complaints to all authorities, filing lawsuits in court, and much more. Such people create a lot of problems for others.

Movement disorders

Two development options movement disorders: agitation or lethargy ( that is, stupor). Psychomotor agitation forces patients to be in active movement all the time and talk incessantly. They often mimic the speech of the people around them, grimace, and imitate the voices of animals. The behavior of such patients becomes impulsive, sometimes foolish, sometimes aggressive. They may commit unmotivated actions.

Stupor is immobility, freezing in one position. The patient's gaze is directed in one direction, he refuses to eat and stops talking.

Course of psychoses

Most often, psychotic disorders have a paroxysmal course. This means that during the disease process there are outbreaks of acute attacks of psychosis and periods of remission. Attacks may occur seasonally ( that is, predictable) and spontaneously ( not predictable). Spontaneous outbreaks occur under the influence of various psychotraumatic factors.

There is also a so-called single-attack course, which is most often observed at a young age. Patients suffer one long attack and gradually emerge from the psychotic state. Their ability to work is fully restored.

In severe cases, psychosis can progress to a chronic continuous stage. In this case, symptoms partially manifest throughout life, despite supportive therapy.

In uncomplicated and uncomplicated clinical cases Treatment in a psychiatric hospital lasts approximately one and a half to two months. During your stay in the hospital, doctors select the optimal therapy and relieve psychotic symptoms. If the symptoms are not relieved by the selected drugs, then the treatment algorithms have to be changed. Then the length of stay in the hospital extends to six months or even more.

One of the most important factors that influence the prognosis of therapy for psychotic disorders is the early initiation of treatment and the effectiveness of medications in combination with non-drug rehabilitation methods.

People with psychotic disorder and society

For a long time, a collective image of mentally ill people has been formed in society. Unfortunately, many people still believe that a person with mental disorders is something aggressive and crazy, threatening other people with his presence. They are afraid of sick people, they do not want to maintain contact with them, and even their loved ones sometimes abandon them. They are indiscriminately called maniacs and murderers. People with psychotic disorders are believed to be absolutely incapable of any meaningful action. Not so long ago, during the USSR, when the treatment of such patients was not distinguished by diversity and humanity ( they were often treated and subdued with electric shocks), mental illnesses were considered so shameful that they were carefully hidden for fear public opinion and condemnation.

The influence of Western psychiatric luminaries in the last 20 years has changed this opinion, although some prejudices against patients with psychosis remain. Most people believe that they are normal and healthy, but schizophrenics are sick. By the way, the incidence rate of schizophrenia is no more than 13 people per 1000. In this case, the opinion that the other 987 people are healthy is statistically justified, but the 13 who are out of the total count are sick. However, not a single psychologist or psychiatrist in the world can give an exact definition: what is normal and what is abnormal?
The boundaries of normality are changing all the time. Just 50 years ago, a diagnosis of autism in children was a death sentence. And now many doctors consider this condition as a different way of a child’s relationship with society. As evidence, they cite facts about the phenomenal memory of such children, their abilities for music, drawing, and chess.

Social rehabilitation involves the use of a whole range of corrective measures and skills in teaching rational behavior. Learning social skills of communication and interaction with the environment helps to adapt to everyday aspects of life. If necessary, the patient works on everyday skills such as shopping, managing finances, and using public transport.

Psychotherapy enables people with mental disorders to better understand themselves: to accept themselves as they are, to love themselves, to take care of themselves. It is especially important to undergo psychotherapy for those who experience shame and a feeling of inferiority from the awareness of their illness, and therefore vehemently deny it. Psychotherapeutic methods help to master the situation and take it into your own hands. Communication in groups is valuable when patients who have undergone hospitalization share with other people who have just been admitted to the hospital their problems and personal ways to solve them. Communication in a close circle, involving common problems and interests, brings people together and gives them the opportunity to feel supported and needed.

All these rehabilitation methods, with correct use, greatly increase the effectiveness of drug therapy, although they are not able to replace it. Most mental disorders cannot be cured once and for all. Psychoses tend to recur, so after treatment, patients require preventive monitoring.

Treatment of psychotic disorders with antipsychotic drugs

Antipsychotics ( or antipsychotics) are the main, basic drugs used in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic practice.
Chemical compounds that stop psychomotor agitation, eliminate delusions and hallucinations were invented in the middle of the last century. An effective and very powerful treatment for psychosis has appeared in the hands of psychiatrists. Unfortunately, it was the excessive use of these drugs, as well as unjustified experiments with their dosages, that led to the fact that Soviet psychiatry received a negative image.
It was called “punitive” because of the use of shock therapy. But in addition to shock therapy, doctors used antipsychotics, such as stelazine, aminazine And haloperidol. These are very powerful remedies, but they only affected positive symptoms and did not affect the negative ones. Yes, the patient got rid of hallucinations and delusions, but at the same time he was discharged from the hospital passive and apathetic, unable to fully interact with society and engage in professional activities.

In addition, classical neuroleptics gave side complication– drug-induced parkinsonism. This complication appeared due to the drugs affecting the extrapyramidal structures of the brain.
Symptoms of drug-induced parkinsonism: tremor, muscle stiffness, convulsive twitching of the limbs, sometimes a feeling of intolerance to being in one place. Such patients constantly move and cannot sit in one place. To eliminate these symptoms, additional therapy with corrective drugs was required: Akineton, cyclodol.

In addition to extrapyramidal disorders, autonomic disorders were observed in some severe cases. In addition to tremor, the patient could experience: dry mouth, increased salivation, diuretic disorders, constipation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, fainting, surges in blood pressure, decreased libido, pathologies of ejaculation and erection, increased body weight, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, decreased cognitive function, fatigue, lethargy.

Neuroleptics are effective means therapy, especially when combined with other methods of mental rehabilitation, however, according to statistics, 30% of people with psychotic disorders who received neuroleptic therapy did not respond well to treatment.

One of the reasons for the ineffectiveness of treatment may be the fact that some patients who deny their illness violate the doctor’s recommendations ( for example, they hide pills behind their cheeks so that they can spit them out when the medical staff cannot see it). In such cases, of course, any therapeutic tactics will be ineffective.

Over the past few decades, a new generation of antipsychotics has been discovered - atypical antipsychotics. They differ from classical antipsychotic drugs in their selective neurochemical action. They act only on certain receptors, so they are better tolerated and more effective. Atypical antipsychotics do not cause extrapyramidal disorders. The main drugs in this group are azaleptin, Seroquel, rispolept and etc.
Rispolept is the first-line drug, and azaleptin is used when the ineffectiveness of previous treatment is revealed.

During treatment acute stage psychosis, atypical antipsychotics have the following advantages:

• The effectiveness of treatment is negative symptoms, and not just positive.
• Good tolerability, and as a result, the use of these drugs in weakened patients is acceptable.

Preventive and supportive therapy for psychosis

Psychoses tend to recur, and patients with this diagnosis require regular preventive monitoring. Therefore, international psychiatric conventions provide clear recommendations on the duration of primary treatment, as well as preventive and supportive treatment.

Those patients who have experienced a first episode of acute psychosis should take low-dose antipsychotics as preventive therapy for two years. If they experience a repeated exacerbation, the period of preventive therapy is increased by 2 to 3 years.

At continuous flow The disease is treated with maintenance therapy, the timing of which is established by the attending physician.

Practicing psychiatrists believe that during the initial hospitalization of a patient with acute psychosis, treatment regimens should be covered as widely as possible and full, long-term socio-psychological rehabilitation measures, so that the risk of relapse of the disease is reduced.

Reducing the risk of psychosis relapse

To reduce the risk of exacerbation of a psychotic disorder, you should follow medical recommendations:

• Measured, ordered lifestyle.
• Healthy physical exercise, gymnastics.
• Balanced diet and quitting alcohol and smoking.
• Regular use of prescribed maintenance medications.

Any changes in the usual rhythm of wakefulness and sleep can lead to relapse. The first signs of relapse: poor appetite, insomnia, irritability. Such signs require examination of the patient by the attending physician.
Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Quite often, various malfunctions are observed in the human body that impair the functionality internal organs and systems. Among such failures, it is worth highlighting mental disorders which manifest themselves as psychosis. In this article we will look at what psychosis is and try to understand the various nuances of this condition.

Psychosis is a severe form of mental disorder

First, let's look at how this mental disorder manifests itself. The term "psychosis" is used to denote a special mental state, in which a person loses the ability to adequately perceive the world around him.

Occurring events are perceived by the “affected” consciousness in a distorted form.

Often the development of psychosis is accompanied by a change in thinking and problems with the perception of reality. To the above symptoms you can add memory loss and bouts of hallucinations.

Clinical picture

Psychosis is a complex mental disorder that can have hidden form currents. That is why to determine the development of pathology on early stages almost impossible. Some symptoms characteristic of the disease have certain similarities with hereditary diseases and various syndromes. There is a certain pattern of development of the pathology in question, thanks to which an accurate diagnosis can be made.

At the initial stages of the development of psychosis, the patient experiences changes in behavior patterns that manifest themselves in the form of atypical reactions. At the next stage, the perception of the surrounding world is disrupted, which provokes changes in consciousness. Then the balance is disrupted emotional background, which is expressed as a discrepancy between the feelings experienced and the situation. There are also more pronounced symptoms of the disease, which we will discuss below.

Psychosis is accompanied by delusional states, sudden mood changes, hallucinations, and states of agitation.

Psychotic thinking

Psychotic thinking is one of the key symptoms characteristic of this pathology. As psychosis develops, a person’s thinking patterns change, which leads to the emergence of erroneous statements and opinions.

1. It should be noted that such thoughts extend to the entire environment. The transformation of the perception of the surrounding world covers various areas, which significantly changes the usual life activities. Many people with this diagnosis try to prove to others that their opinion is correct, despite facts proving the opposite. There are six independent forms of delusional ideas: Depressive ideas
2. – in this situation, a person suffering from psychosis suffers from thoughts of committing sins or negative actions towards other people. Somatic delirium
3. – in this state, a person feels the slow decomposition of his body and suffers from a characteristic odor. Megalomania
4. – this symptom manifests itself in the form of an elevation of one’s own personality above other people. Persecution mania
5. – “inflamed mind” makes a person feel the fear of persecution and surveillance. Such ideas often push patients to create additional conditions for safety.– in this situation, the patient has a strong belief that he has the ability to influence the world around him with the help of supernatural forces.
6. Delirium of relationships– in this case, the patient attaches importance to various phenomena occurring in his life. Some of the patients are firmly convinced that various television programs are shown on television only for their sake.

Attacks of hallucinations

Numerous symptoms of psychosis may manifest as bouts of hallucinations. In such a state, a person experiences specific sensations from sounds and smells that are actually absent. Despite the fact that auditory hallucinations are the most common, in some cases the patient may see various images that are not present in reality.

During an attack, a person feels a voice in his head that begins to control his behavior. Under the influence of one or more voices, the patient can harm others and himself. Changes involving sensory perception. A person experiences a feeling of pain, freezes from the cold or is exhausted from the heat, being in comfortable conditions.

Changes in the emotional sphere

Emotional changes are most often observed in women. This symptom can be described as a rapid change in mood, accompanied by swings from a positive attitude to depressive syndrome. Similar symptoms of psychosis in women are expressed in the form of depression, apathy and hypersensitivity. In some cases, a person’s emotional state may be within normal limits, however, a whole storm will rage inside his mind different feelings. Often, such mood swings are accompanied by a state of “stupor”.

Many symptoms of acute psychosis can occur in a mild form long before the disease itself

Problems related to communication skills

A disease such as psychosis often manifests itself in the form of problems relating to the patient’s communication with other people. The development of the disease leads to verbal impairments, as a result of which a person loses the ability to correctly express his own thoughts.

The patient’s speech itself takes on a distorted form and a chaotic character. Problems with expressing one's own feelings force a person to resort to methods of non-verbal communication, which is carried out using various body movements and gestures.

Memory loss

According to medical statistics, people diagnosed with psychosis often suffer from partial or complete memory loss. In this situation, various memories that are associated with his life fall out of the patient’s memory. In some cases, the patient's memory is completely erased, and true memories are replaced with fictitious facts.

Personal disintegration

This symptom manifests itself against the background of memory loss, transformation of perception environment and other problems listed above. Loss of the relationship between emotions, thoughts and actions leads to complete degradation of personality. Disability is expressed as the inability to perform basic everyday activities. It is this symptom that allows specialists to make an accurate diagnosis with confidence, without resorting to the method of differential diagnosis.

Before you consider various shapes diseases, it should be said that different types psychosis have their own characteristics which are expressed in the form of specific symptoms.

Forms of psychosis

There are several different forms of the disease in question, each of which has its own characteristic features.

The depressive form of mental disorder has a slow development rate. In the first stages of the development of the disease, the symptoms characteristic of the pathology are invisible both to the patient himself and to the people around him. The average duration of development of the disease can vary from thirty days to twelve months. This form of the disease is characterized by frequent changes in a person’s mood. Psychosis – mental illness

, in which a person cannot adequately perceive the surrounding reality and respond to it appropriately The development of a depressive form of the disease forces a person to immerse himself in his inner world, constantly analyzing his own shortcomings and mistakes in life. Most thoughts have a negative connotation, which leads to sadness, melancholy and other manifestations of a depressed state. At this stage of the disease, the person becomes vulnerable to various irritating factors

, which can only worsen his condition. The causes of psychosis, which have a depressive form, are associated with a slowdown in mental reactions and. Against this background, concentration decreases and memory problems arise. In some patients, experts note physical inhibition and fading reflexes. Against the background of the above problems, behavior changes and appetite disappears. In severe cases of the disease, the patient may periodically fall into a state of stupor.

Another very common form of psychosis is manic, which is characterized by increased agitation and mood swings. A patient with this diagnosis “expresses” through his behavior a positive attitude and optimism, despite various life difficulties. However, this state can quickly be replaced by causeless aggression and feelings of anger. Under the influence of a mental disorder, the pace of thinking and the speed of speech change, which accelerate several times. Experts note that such great personalities as Kafka and Bulgakov suffered from this form of psychosis. It was during attacks of manic psychosis that these people created their works.

As the disease progresses, most patients experience increased physical activity. The development of psychosis leads to the activation of hidden energy reserves in the body. A surge of energy forces the patient to constantly perform various actions and constantly be on the move.

Much less often, patients are diagnosed with a manic-depressive form of mental disorder. According to statistics, symptoms and signs of psychosis are diagnosed much more often in men than in women. The form of the disease under consideration combines various elements clinical picture characteristic of manic and depressive psychosis.

Psychosis is not just a wrong train of thought

The above symptoms of the disease alternate. At a certain stage in the course of the disease, a person falls into prolonged depression, which is replaced by a light gap, after which elements appear manic disorder. In the case of a severe form of pathology, light spaces may be completely absent.

A separate category is the acute form of psychosis. Symptoms characteristic of this condition are severe and sudden in appearance. This type of mental disorder is characterized by rapid development. There are many different symptoms for this condition. The key feature of the acute form of mental disorder is the gradual transformation into other types of psychosis.

Hydrocyanic psychosis, often called senile mental disorder, manifests itself at the age of sixty. Symptoms of this disease most often affect memory and perception of the surrounding world. The nature of this pathology has a certain similarity with the manic-depressive form of psychosis. It should be noted that this form of the disease has characteristic differences with senile dementia, in which patients show signs of decreased intelligence. Reason for appearance senile psychosis associated with somatic diseases and age-related changes body.

Treatment methods

When considering the symptoms and treatment of psychosis, you should focus on methods for solving the problem. Let's look at what techniques are used by specialists for psychological correction of the patient's psyche. Most often, treatment of the disease in question is carried out in small groups. Psychotherapists use techniques such as art therapy, psychological analysis, cognitive treatment, occupational therapy and psychoeducation.

The latter technique involves teaching the patient various techniques to combat the disease. In cases with severe pathology, the use of various medications is allowed.

The most commonly used drugs are from the group of antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and normotics. With the help of the latter, it is possible to normalize the patient’s psycho-emotional balance and normalize the perception of the surrounding world. It is important to note that everything medicines

are used in strict accordance with the prescribed dose.

Many men and women treat psychotic disorders with caution, wariness, but even more often - as something distant, something that is someone else's problem. However, given that endogenous psychoses occur in 3-5 people per hundred, not to mention other types of psychotic disorders, no one is immune from this. Any family can face this problem. Psychosis should not be perceived as something shameful, irreparable and terrible. This is the same disease as diabetes, ulcers or any other chronic disease. There is no fault of the sick person in his condition, psychotic disorders have a biological basis, they are associated with disorders of the biochemical processes of the brain and others internal pathologies. You shouldn’t hide from everyone with your problem; on the contrary, you need to start as soon as possible professional treatment psychosis in order to avoid serious consequences.

What does a psychotic diagnosis mean?

Contrary to numerous prejudices that a person with a mental disorder is either a weak-willed hysteric or a potential maniac, statistics show that aggressive behavior is more often observed among healthy people than among patients in psychoneurological institutions. Therefore, you should not panic, much less isolate yourself from society, if your family is faced with such a diagnosis. It is important to realize that delay in contacting a psychiatrist can lead to irreparable consequences, including disability.

Appearance psychotic symptoms does not always indicate schizophrenia or other severe endogenous disease. Psychosis can be somatogenic, psychogenic, intoxicating or organic nature. There is a huge list of diseases and pathologies that can cause psychotic symptoms. Therefore, timely application for medical care and conducting diagnostics to determine the cause of psychosis can reduce the likelihood of complications and improve the prognosis of the course of the disorder. If you are diagnosed with psychosis, you should be prepared for fairly long-term therapy and strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions.

Precursors of psychosis

Such vivid psychotic symptoms as hallucinations, delusions, motor and affective disorders raise no doubt that professional help is indispensable. But often the approach of psychosis can be recognized long before its advanced stage. Early diagnosis contributes more easy flow attack and rapid reduction of symptoms. Special symptoms to watch out for:

• changes in perceptions, experiences and ideas, everything around seems different, strange sensations appear;
• change of interests, new unusual hobbies;
• suspicion, distrust of others, detachment, isolation from society;
• decreased activity, concentration, increased sensitivity to stress factors;
• change in normal mood depressive symptoms, increased fears;
• a sharp decline in energy, initiative, motivation;
• strange appearance, sloppiness, negligence in personal care;
• disorders of appetite and sleep, headaches;
• sensitivity, moodiness, irritability, increased nervousness and restlessness.

It is important to consult a specialist at the very first manifestations of psychotic symptoms in order to minimize the risk of complications of the disease.

What to do if you suspect you have a psychotic disorder

The modern approach to the treatment of mental illness is far from the previously infamous “accounting.” But many men and women are still afraid social prohibitions, discredit at work and in society, inadequate attitude towards them from others and compulsory treatment. Therefore, often instead of going to a psychotherapist, patients, with the support of relatives, visit all kinds of psychics, healers, and resort to folk remedies, add “magic” supplements to the diet in the hope of getting out of painful condition. This should not be done under any circumstances; such an attitude towards the disease only leads to a worsening of the condition.

The prognosis for the course of psychosis and the risk of disability depends not only on the intensity of treatment, but also on when it began. The earlier therapy is started, the greater the chances of curing a psychotic disorder and preventing negative consequences for the individual. Only after consultation with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a thorough diagnosis using complex specialized methods, can the cause of the psychotic state be established and the appropriate treatment tactics be chosen. If you hesitate to get medical help, everything can end very sadly. A patient brought to the hospital in acute condition or at the stage chronic psychosis , is unlikely to avoid the most difficult negative disorders

mental health and subsequent disability. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of psychosis, it is better to play it safe and consult a specialist.

Choice of treatment tactics Today the patient need not be afraid appeal to a psychoneurological clinic, since the law protects his rights. Depending on the severity of psychotic symptoms, the patient is prescribed either clinical observation or consultative and therapeutic support. All this happens with the consent of the person himself or the persons responsible for him. If the disorder is mild or transient in nature, the patient is provided with counseling and prescribed necessary medications. Treatment in a dispensary is carried out in cases of persistent, severe and frequent exacerbation of psychoses. It can be determined by a special commission and without the consent of the patient. But there are strict indications for compulsory hospitalization. If there are no relapses of the disorder for five years, the patient no longer needs to undergo clinical observation.

Despite the variety of psychotic symptoms and the different nature of psychoses, treatment is always based primarily on drug therapy. It is modern psychotropic medications give real opportunity recovery. Supportive pharmacotherapy is also important for each patient during the stage when recovery from psychosis occurs. Social rehabilitation and family psychotherapy help to get out of a serious condition faster.

Emergency care and compulsory hospitalization

In addition to consultations and dispensary observation, psychiatrists can decide whether to hospitalize a patient, as well as provide emergency care at home. The usual reason for emergency care is acute psychosis with psychomotor agitation or signs of aggressiveness. If a person’s consciousness is altered, he exhibits inappropriate behavior, refuses food and drink, is unable to care for himself, and tends to commit suicide, then calling emergency help is essential. This can save the life and health of the patient himself, as well as the people around him. Emergency treatment involves emergency medication (eg, antipsychotics, phenazepam, etc.) and sometimes physical restraint. Only a psychiatrist can refer such a person to a hospital with or without his consent. What is the reason for involuntary hospitalization? First of all, the fact that the patient poses a danger to himself and other people. You should also take into account the degree of his helplessness, how capable he is of satisfying vital needs. Urgent inpatient treatment is required if the psychosis is severe, and without psychiatric treatment the patient's condition will further deteriorate and the harm to health will become very significant.

Principles of drug treatment

The fact that a single drug principle of therapy is used in the treatment of any psychosis does not mean that all patients are prescribed the same medications. Treatment with drugs is not carried out according to a template, since it is not in the arsenal of doctors magic pills for any occasion. An individual approach is applied to each patient. In addition to the leading symptoms, take into account concomitant diseases

, age, gender of the person and special circumstances, such as pregnancy in women, drug or alcohol use. It is important for the doctor to establish a trusting relationship with the patient so that he strictly follows his recommendations and does not doubt the prescription of phenazepam, armadin, quetiapine or other drugs. Taking into account the fact that the gross share of all psychoses consists of endogenous diseases in which relapses are possible, the treatment of the first attack requires maximum attention from doctors. Repeated psychotic episodes worsen the prognosis and aggravate negative disorders that are difficult to treat. To minimize the possibility of relapse, a fairly long and intensive course of pharmacotherapy is prescribed.

For half a century, classical neuroleptics (aminazine, haloperidol, etc.) have been used in the treatment of psychosis. Such antipsychotic drugs cope very well with such productive symptoms as hallucinations, delusions, and motor agitation. However, the use of classical antipsychotics often carries with it a huge number of side effects. First of all, antipsychotics cause muscle cramps, called drug-induced parkinsonism. In addition, the patient may experience various somatic disorders: nausea, tachycardia, problems with overweight and urination, failure menstrual cycle

among women. When using classical antipsychotics, central nervous system disorders are also common: fatigue, drowsiness, problems with memory and concentration. To neutralize side effects, it is necessary to add a number of other drugs to the treatment regimen (phenazepam, Armadin, Akineton, etc.). In recent years, psychiatrists are increasingly using new generation drugs instead of traditional antipsychotics - atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, rispolept). New generation neuroleptics act on certain groups of receptors, which greatly increases their effectiveness and reduces the number of side effects . The advantages of atypical antipsychotics are difficult to overestimate. Probability of getting high therapeutic effect

theirs is higher. Such antipsychotics better neutralize negative disorders. Their greater safety allows the use of antipsychotics for the treatment of weakened and elderly patients, and also makes it possible to prescribe monotherapy without the use of Armadin, Akineton, phenazepam and other corrective drugs.

Combination of drugs When choosing a drug treatment regimen, additional factors such as intoxication, depression,, neurological disorders. In the treatment of acute psychoses, in addition to antipsychotics, benzodiazepines (phenazepam) are used. For manic symptoms, in addition to phenazepam, mood stabilizers are also added, and for depressive symptoms, antidepressants are added. When prescribing antipsychotics in large doses or for a long period of time, it is recommended to add Armadin and some kind of anticholinergic blocker (Parcopan, for example) to the treatment regimen to neutralize side effects. Armadin is also used for psychoses of somatogenic and organic origin. Armadin improves blood circulation in the brain and has a positive effect on the nervous system as a whole. Therefore, Armadin and its analogues are used for psychoses caused by encephalopathies, brain injuries, and neuroinfections.

With the help of armadin and phenazepam, neurosis-like, depressive and anxious manifestations, as well as various cognitive impairments, are corrected. The problem of intoxication with antipsychotic drugs can also be solved by prescribing armadin, glycine and other similar drugs in ampoules or tablets. Since benzodiazepines act as sedatives, phenazepam and its analogues are used for alcoholic delirium, withdrawal psychosis, manifestations of aggression, fear, anxiety and depression with suicidal tendencies. It is important not to overdo it with the dosage of antipsychotics, phenazepam, armadin and other drugs. That is why, when choosing a treatment regimen, the psychiatrist takes into account many factors, and in the first stages of drug therapy carefully monitors whether the patient’s condition is worsening and makes adjustments if necessary.

Psychotherapy and social rehabilitation

Of course, there is no way to cure a psychotic disorder without medication, but the recovery process is a multifaceted procedure. In addition to pills, each patient needs psychotherapeutic support and assistance in social rehabilitation. Recovery from psychosis can be difficult and lengthy. If symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and depression cannot be relieved quickly enough, the patient after psychosis may become passive, lethargic, and lose the ability to concentrate and perform previous skills. Sometimes, after psychosis, a person cannot do even the simplest things on his own: take care of himself, organize meals, clean the house, etc. Specially formulated for each individual patient help to return to normal life. rehabilitation programs. Psychotherapy helps to get rid of feelings of inferiority associated with a mental disorder. Psychotherapeutic techniques teach a person to solve everyday problems, and group therapy makes it easier to cope with returning to social life. And although it is not possible today to completely replace pills with psychotherapeutic or other methods, everything aids

can increase the effectiveness of medications and facilitate recovery from psychosis.

Prevention and maintenance therapy Effective treatment of psychosis is only possible with long-term maintenance therapy. Often, men and women, feeling obvious relief, stop taking the pills prescribed by their doctor, considering it unnecessary. Moreover, some people, having heard a lot about side effects phenazepam, antipsychotics and other drugs, independently or on the advice of relatives switch to herbs, healing infusions and other dubious unconventional methods

• treatment. There is nothing worse than ignoring doctor's orders. What does this behavior lead to? To a deterioration of the condition, an increase in depressive mood and aggression, relapse of the disease, and sometimes even a call for emergency help. Treating psychosis is very difficult, like any chronic illness. Be prepared for the fact that you may have to take the pills for several years, or maybe for the rest of your life, if you want to avoid repeated attacks. Remember that each new psychosis leads to an increase in negative disorders, which are much more difficult to treat than to relieve acute productive symptoms. It is possible and necessary to combat the consequences of psychosis and take preventive measures at home. You can do a lot on your own, but only your psychiatrist has the right to diagnose the current condition, treat with medications and determine preventive doses of pills.
• Psychotic disorder should not be just one person's problem. It is much easier to get out of a difficult state with the support of your family, therefore, it is good when the whole family takes part in the healing process. Any auxiliary sedatives
• , herbs, aromatherapy, relaxation methods should be discussed with your doctor before use.
• Reduces the risk of relapse not only by strictly following the doctor’s instructions, but also by a moderate rhythm of life with a stable daily routine. You should completely give up alcohol and drugs, have a good rest, and exercise.
• Nutrition is also worth paying attention to. When consumed large quantity difficult medications, it is a balanced diet that helps to get out of a lethargic and weakened state. Good nutrition also helps avoid exhaustion of the nervous system.
• Avoid anything that can cause stress or complications in the patient: family quarrels, emotional upheavals, physical overload, overheating, poisoning, viral infections.

Remember that even if all the conditions for successful therapy are met, there is no guarantee that a person will be able to completely get rid of the consequences of psychosis. If you have the slightest suspicion of depression or relapse, notify your doctor and try to provide the patient with a calm, familiar environment as much as possible.

Many people associate mentally ill people with unkempt and aggressive people who act illogically. However, people with mild form people with psychosis often look quite healthy. They are able to control their actions and express their thoughts correctly. Sometimes a disease can be detected only by indirect signs. The prognosis for treatment of psychosis depends on the form and severity of the disorder.

general information

Psychosis ( psychotic disorder) are called a pronounced manifestation of mental illness.

The disorder does not allow a person to adequately perceive the world around him. Reacting to an imaginary reality, the patient behaves unnaturally.

Psychotic disorder is not a sign of a weak character of the patient. Mentally ill people cannot get rid of their pathological condition by force of will.

It is very important to recognize the presence of a disorder and begin treatment for psychosis immediately. Often people refuse to admit that they are sick. If family and friends help a person understand his situation and provide him with moral support, he will strive to get rid of the pathological condition as quickly as possible.

Motivating the patient will make treatment more effective.

Signs of developing pathology:

1. An alarming signal is a sharp change in a person’s temperament. When an active, cheerful person becomes slow and apathetic, and a skeptic turns into an exalted person.
2. Symptoms of psychosis include absent-mindedness, an inability to concentrate on the topic of conversation or on a specific action.
3. The patient's concentrated gaze into emptiness should be alarming. If he follows with his eyes the movement of a non-existent object. Especially if he looks scared.
4. Conversations between a relative and an imaginary person should cause alarm when he argues with him, threatens him, or makes excuses to him.
5. If a person constantly talks to himself, these may be the first signs of an illness.
6. An unexpected reaction without cause can also be a symptom developing disorder. Unreasonable laughter, unexpected tears or hysterics.
7. If the patient is afraid to go outside, close the windows with curtains, put additional locks on the door, and check the food.
8. Sudden mood swings, expression of conflicting feelings, and inconsistent actions may constitute symptoms of psychosis.
9. A person sees germs everywhere and tries to disinfect everything. Constantly takes a shower and washes his hands.
10. You should be wary of meaningless statements and inappropriate answers.
11. The relative loses interest in his favorite dishes and experiences tastes that are not inherent to them. Decreased appetite is common in psychotic disorders.
12. He complains that insects are running all over his body.

Hallucinations and delusions

Patients suffer from hallucinations. Hallucinations can be visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory and tactile. They can be so bright that the patient cannot distinguish them from reality. Auditory hallucinations occur most often.

In psychotic disorders, delusions appear. This is an obsession that the patient sincerely believes in. He may begin to collaborate with fictional intelligence agencies, work for the government, feel the influence of aliens, or communicate with otherworldly forces.

Delirium can manifest itself very vividly and vitally. A person lives a separate life and carries out consistent actions in an imaginary world.

Mood disorders

With the development of psychosis, the patient may fall into a depressive state. He is overcome by sadness and longing. The future is seen only in black colors.

A person may develop persecution mania. Everywhere he sees ill-wishers, envious people who want to get rid of him. He considers his loved ones enemies. The patient may even commit violence against them, trying to protect himself from them.

In women, psychosis often occurs in postpartum period. A young mother may be manically protective of her child or push him away. She blames herself for real and imagined troubles. She considers herself a bad mother and housewife.

Intrusive dark thoughts can cause suicidal thoughts. Most serious condition in patients with psychotic disorder occurs early in the morning.

Reverse transformation is also possible. The patient is constantly in an excited state, considers himself an unsurpassed speaker and wit. He makes grandiose plans, tries to take on a lot of various works. He works tirelessly, exhausting himself mentally and physically.

Movement disorders

Mental abnormalities are accompanied by motor abnormalities. A person who has fallen into depression has an inhibited reaction, cannot immediately understand the meaning of what is said, and forgets to answer questions.

He can freeze in one position, become very slow, lethargic and lacking initiative. The patient forgets why he ended up in a particular place and how to return home.

He may have a delayed reaction to external stimuli. A person loses the ability to experience positive emotions and does not feel the need for them.

With the enthusiastic type of psychosis, the patient may develop active facial expressions, he constantly talks and gesticulates intensively. Ready to jump up and run for no reason at any moment, to commit unmotivated actions.

Being in a playful mood, the patient may begin to fool around, grimace, tease people or provoke them. Overestimating his strength, the patient may try to commit a risky act. He may lose the need for sleep and experience disinhibition of drives (irrepressible sexual desire, drug abuse).

How do hallucinations and delusions manifest themselves?

One may suspect the presence of auditory and visual hallucinations if a person is having a full-fledged conversation with an invisible person. When talking, he looks at a specific place in the room, asks questions and gives answers. He is trying to prove something or convince a fictitious interlocutor of something.

The patient may be fighting off an attack by an imaginary enemy or trying to drive away a pack of non-existent dogs. He actually sees the bite site and the blood emerging from the wound. The patient can ask relatives to bandage his leg, which does not have a wound.

He may bend over to try to dodge an invisible object or swat away imaginary insects. A non-existent ray of light may hurt his eyes.

In the presence of auditory hallucinations the patient suddenly falls silent, trying to listen to something. He may cover his ears from a sharp sound or a piercing scream that does not exist in reality.

The appearance of delirium is evidenced by words about the special mission of the patient, about his value to the world (the state or intelligence services). He may be talking about his greatness and heroism, or about his fatal mistake that caused the world to suffer.

The patient often expresses himself in hints and mysterious ambiguous phrases. His life can be filled with rituals, fictitious phone calls, records of incomprehensible content, ciphers, codes and passwords.
Delirium can be expressed in endless complaints about neighbors and co-workers. The patient can endlessly write to various institutions, sue and argue over unimportant reasons.

Behavior rules

There are rules for dealing with a person suffering from psychosis:

1. There is no need to try to clarify the details of delusional statements. There is no need to ask the patient again, to show interest in his obsession and encourage him to further plunge into a delusional state.
2. You should not argue with the patient and try to convince him. Attempts to prove the inconsistency of his ideas are futile. They can aggravate pathological condition sick. He will try with all his might to prove the opposite. At the same time, his psyche will suffer even more.
3. If the patient behaves calmly, it is recommended to listen to him. At the same time, one must demonstrate calmness and detachment. When he speaks out, you need to gently invite him to consult a doctor.
4. There is no need to insist on visiting a doctor. You must act as delicately as possible. If the patient cannot be persuaded, the doctor should be invited home.

Signs of suicidal ideation:

1. Statements about guilt and uselessness should be alarming: that his birth was a mistake and that “there is no place for such people in this world.”
2. The patient’s lack of plans for the future is also a negative symptom. If the patient does not expect anything good from tomorrow or is afraid that the future will only bring him more misfortunes.
3. A person who considers himself terminally ill needs immediate help. Especially if he suspected himself cancer which will soon cause severe pain.
4. An alarm should be caused by a sharp change in the patient’s mood from tearful and depressed to calm and detached. This behavior is often mistaken for improvement.
5. When the patient tries to meet with childhood friends, classmates or distant relatives. If he is trying to repay his debts faster, give back the borrowed item. When he suddenly writes a will or distributes to whom he will leave what.

Treatment

How to treat the disorder? Relatives and relatives must take the patient to the doctor if the first signs of psychosis appear. The doctor will decide on the severity of the disease and the need for hospitalization. Suicidal feelings must be taken very seriously. You need to hide sharp objects from the patient and close the balcony doors.

If acute psychosis occurs with pronounced symptoms, hospitalization of the patient is necessary. A distorted perception of the world can cause the patient to harm himself or his loved ones. He may become aggressive, attack family members, or try to kill himself. His psyche is damaged, so he cannot be responsible for his actions. In such cases, hospitalization is carried out by the decision of relatives without the consent of the patient.

Psychosis is treated primarily with medications.

Antipsychotics (neuroleptics) are the basic drugs for the treatment of psychosis.

New generation neuroleptics (Azaleptin, Seroquel, Rispolept) give good results. Tablets are prescribed after an attack of acute psychosis for 2 years in for preventive purposes. Unfortunately, drug treatment is not always effective, since unmotivated patients do not follow the doctor’s instructions (they hide the pills or spit them out after taking them).

Psychotherapy sessions are conducted simultaneously with drug therapy. The patient is motivated to undergo treatment, his self-esteem is increased and he is taught to solve his problems on his own. He is taught the rules of behavior in society and in the family.

Timely treatment of psychosis can quickly and permanently return the patient to normal life. There are single-episode forms of psychosis, when patients recover from a painful state and never again suffer from psychotic disorders.

Treatment lung diseases and moderate severity is carried out over 1-2 months. More complex and prolonged psychoses may require treatment for up to a year. If treatment is carried out at home, you must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. If the patient's condition worsens, the doctor should be reported immediately.

Many types of psychosis change the patient's perception of reality, which can frighten loved ones. After all, a hallucinating person becomes unpredictable and can cause harm to himself or others. Let's consider what psychoses are and their types, what are the symptoms of the disease and methods of their treatment.

What is psychosis

Psychosis is defined as mental disorder (), confusion and protest of the unconscious part of the personality against society. According to Jung, all symptoms of psychosis should be viewed from a symbolic point of view. Various manifestations of psychosis can be encrypted messages from the patient, and thus he points to the problem that torments him. Perhaps, if you decipher these “messages”, you can find the source of the disorder.

The consciousness of a patient with psychosis is almost entirely filled with unconscious content, and the person lives more by instincts. Depending on the severity and type of the disease, psychoses can be protracted and deep, or manifest themselves from time to time, as temporary clouding of reason.

What types of psychoses are there?

Psychoses and their types are divided into categories depending on their etiology. Some psychoses are temporary and can be treated quite easily without leaving behind significant consequences. Such psychoses include situational psychosis. It occurs suddenly, has an acute form, but with timely help passes quickly.

Somatogenic psychosis - occurs as side disease somatic illness.
Reactive psychosis is characterized by a sudden onset, and, as a rule, this is the body's reaction to stress.

Alcohol psychosis

Alcoholic psychosis is a code according to ICD 10, and it is more correct to call it metal-alcoholic psychosis, since this disease is divided into many subtypes. Alcoholic psychosis is characterized by the fact that it does not arise directly due to the effects of alcohol on the brain, but against the background of withdrawal syndrome.

Delirium is the most common type of alcoholic psychosis. delusional psychosis, hallucinosis, acquired encephalopathy and pathological intoxication.

Acute alcoholic psychosis is not intoxication, but a consequence of prolonged intoxication of the body with alcoholic beverages, and it often occurs several days after the last use of alcohol.

Signs of alcoholic psychosis in men can be confused with intoxication, a cold, or attributed to the patient’s character. The patient's temperature rises, insomnia and irritability appear. Tremor of the limbs and excessive sweating. Further, depending on the characteristics of the patient, the following types of psychosis may develop:

The most common alcoholic psychosis is Delirium (delirium tremens). The patient loses the sense of time and space, and this loss is accompanied by delusions and hallucinations. Often the patient becomes aggressive because of the visions he sees. Basically, during delirium tremens, hallucinations take the form of the most terrible nightmares and horror. The patient sees devils, demons, and even the faces of people close to him are distorted, taking on frightening forms. The patient is completely disoriented, and without medical care these changes may become irreversible.

Hallucinosis

With this psychosis, the patient retains common sense and intelligence, and emerging auditory and visual hallucinations knock him off guard. He realizes that these are just hallucinations, and this makes him depressed. Over time, against the background of hallucinations, persecution mania and obsessive thoughts may develop. crazy ideas. The patient most often lies down and often talks to himself.

Pseudoparalysis

There is pain in the joints and muscles. The patient has difficulty breathing, speaking, swallowing, and there is a feeling of apathy towards everything. Over time, the patient turns into a “vegetable” and simply lies motionless on the bed.

Alcoholic encephalopathy

Due to acute alcohol intoxication brain functions are impaired. Acute manifestations with this type of disorder there is no disorder, but there is headache, absent-mindedness, memory and sleep disturbances. The patient is apathetic, depressed and gradually becomes indifferent to everything. Encephalopathy usually appears after Delirium.

Alcohol paranoid

IN acute form the patient may become suspicious and aggressive. He can attack others or run away. In the evening, all the patient’s fears worsen, and this condition can last for several days. In a chronic or protracted form, men usually develop persistent suspicion of loved ones. Often the wives of patients suffer from this, as they become victims of unfounded suspicions of infidelity. The patient watches his wife, creates scandals, and at the same time, he can be jealous of both a real person and a fictional character.

Alcohol psychoses: clinical picture and treatment

All alcoholic psychoses are the result of long-term exposure to alcohol breakdown products on the brain, hereditary diseases, and, oddly enough, social status sick.

A person with low social responsibility has no motivation to heal. After removal acute condition psychosis and relief of unpleasant symptoms, as a rule, the alcoholic returns to his old ways.

Is there a favorable outcome of alcoholic psychosis?

In most cases, alcoholic psychosis occurs after 3-5 years of continuous drinking, and this undermines not only the psyche. All organs, without exception, suffer. Due to the huge amount of toxins, the liver and kidneys suffer. As a rule, during the period of binge drinking the patient does not eat, and over time this affects the gastrointestinal tract. The blood vessels become thinner and the heart muscle weakens. The patient dies not from psychosis, but from quite ordinary somatic diseases. Stomach ulcer, stroke, cirrhosis, tuberculosis, etc.

If the patient understands his condition, and his body is still strong enough, even after suffering alcoholic psychosis, the patient can live for a very long time. Of course, you should give up alcohol and undergo regular medical examinations, including by a psychiatrist.

Is it possible to treat alcohol psychosis at home?

In a state of acute psychosis, the patient becomes too dangerous to himself and to others. To remove toxins from the body, immobilization of the patient is required, that is, the patient must be immobilized. Sometimes this is very difficult to do because of the visions that haunt him, and the patient saves his life from demons by resisting with all his might.

At the first stage it is applied infusion therapy, to remove alcohol toxins, in combination with psychotropic substances. These substances relieve the symptoms of psychosis, and the patient calms down.

The second stage consists of a vitamin complex to restore the patient’s dehydrated and weakened body.

In the case of treating alcoholic psychosis, drug therapy is not enough. Without psychotherapy, the patient will soon return to his previous lifestyle, and another exacerbation may result in death.

At home, it is impossible to carry out drug therapy or provide proper psychological support. Even if the patient miraculously suffers several exacerbations and survives, his brain will deteriorate, down to the state of a two-year-old child. But this won't last long. The toxins will quickly do their job, and the person will “burn out” in a matter of months, or even weeks.

Affective psychoses

Affective psychosis is a group of disorders with code 10 according to the ICD. The main feature affective disorder is a violation of a person’s emotional mood. Psychoses can be divided into groups:

Bipolar affective psychosis;

Manic affective psychosis;

Affective-shock reactive psychoses;

Schizoaffective psychosis.

Each of these types is characterized by its own manifestations and symptoms, but the causes of the disorder in most cases are the same.

Affective psychoses are characterized by manifestations of two phases. The mood ranges from severe depression to irrepressible joy and activity.

Creative individuals, with their fine mental organization, are most susceptible to the disease. They explain periods of melancholy and despondency by the “lack of a muse,” but soon there is an attack of inspiration, and the patient simply “flies,” working for days on end, without feeling hungry or tired. After such activity, a period of apathy sets in again.

Women during menopause, pregnancy, teenagers during puberty are also a risk group. An imbalance of hormones in the body destabilizes the psyche, and sensitive people experience this especially acutely.

Affective disorders occur against a background of prolonged stress. Under its influence, some waste products are under-oxidized and, driven by the bloodstream, enter the brain. These products have an effect on the brain similar to hallucinogens, which leads to psychosis.

Affective psychosis: treatment, prognosis of the disease

Diagnosis of the disease, in addition to the conclusion of a psychiatrist, includes a computed tomography of the brain and an extensive biochemical blood test. The level of hormones is examined, and the level electrical activity brain using electroencephalography.

Since affective psychosis has a two-phase course, medications are selected depending on the phase in which the patient is currently located. During the depressive phase, mood stabilizers and antidepressants are used; in the active phase, sedatives are indicated.

In the treatment of affective psychosis, psychotherapy aimed at learning to use one’s mental energy more rationally works well. These are art therapy, occupational therapy, and relaxation therapy.

Affective disorder is not a death sentence, and it can be treated quite successfully. The patient is only required to adhere to a daily routine, a more gentle work schedule, and an awareness of the importance of receiving positive emotions.

Reactive psychoses

Reactive psychoses have a code according to ICD-10, and belong to psychogenic disorders, that is, it is an acquired disorder due to mental trauma. The severity of psychosis directly depends on how closely the patient perceives the situation. Fire, war, disaster, rape, death of a loved one, all this can cause reactive psychosis.

Forms of reactive psychoses are divided into several groups:

Hysterical reactive psychosis;

Prolonged psychosis;

Reactive delusional psychosis.

Acute reactive psychosis - expressed in psychomotor agitation. The patient may run erratically, scream, or freeze in place. In case of stupor, the patient does not speak, does not eat, does not move, and absolutely does not make contact. He is completely detached from the outside world and in this state he can stay for several hours or days.

Often, within the framework of hysterical protracted psychoses, deviations in behavior are observed, in the form of foolishness, relapse into childhood, or “running wild.”

Reactive depression occurs after psychological trauma and is protracted. The patient’s consciousness narrows, and he experiences the traumatic situation again and again, and cannot break this circle. During an attack of despair, the patient may attempt suicide, and without appropriate treatment the patient may die.

Reactive psychosis: treatment

Diagnosis of reactive psychosis is aimed at establishing a connection between a traumatic event and psychosis. If this connection is traced, drug treatment is prescribed, depending on the form of the disorder.

The tactics of providing medical care for reactive psychoses are aimed at removing the victim from a state of shock. Hospitalization for a shock reaction is not necessary; as a rule, in such cases psychotherapy works better (when state of shock will pass), and working through the traumatic event.

Treatment of delusional and prolonged psychosis is indicated in the hospital. First it is carried out drug therapy neuroleptics or antidepressants, depending on the form of the disease, and only then a psychotherapist joins the treatment.

Nursing care for neuroses and reactive psychoses is very important. As a rule, patients have a more favorable attitude towards junior medical staff, and can tell the nurse what they cannot tell the attending physician. Nursing care for patients with reactive depression is to monitor him, take medications and prevent suicide attempts.

Senile psychosis

Senile psychosis has an ICD-10 code and combines manic-depressive psychosis and other schizophrenic-type disorders. Senile psychosis is not dementia, and not, although the symptoms are sometimes very similar. Psychosis does not lead to dementia and is solely a mental disorder. The patient can keep mental capacity, and skills during remission. Senile senile psychosis occurs in people after 60 years of age, and women are more likely to be affected.

Acute senile psychosis is characterized by a gradual change in the patient's behavior. Weakness, insomnia, absent-mindedness and loss of appetite appear. Over time, unmotivated fears, suspicion, stinginess and hallucinations are added to these symptoms.

Character accentuation occurs, and all the patient’s character traits become aggravated. A cheerful person falls into euphoria, a thrifty person becomes stingy, and a stern person becomes cruel and aggressive.

Senile paraphrenia is characterized by elements of delusions of grandeur. The patient “remembers” the events of his life, weaving into it the heroic deeds he has committed, meetings with celebrities, and enthusiastically tells these stories to anyone who wants to listen.

Chronic senile depression also develops mainly in women. The attacks are replaced by self-flagellation, anxiety, and are often accompanied by Cotard's delirium. The patient is prone to exaggeration, depersonalization and nihilism. The patient may claim that he killed all the people in the world, and that he himself died long ago. The visions of such patients are incredibly vivid, clear and grotesque.

Senile psychosis: treatment

Senile psychoses are diagnosed mainly from the words of relatives, and their treatment is complicated by the abundance of somatic diseases of an elderly person. Often the patient refuses hospitalization, and coercion can lead to an exacerbation of the disease. Most often, after diagnosis, the responsibilities of treating the patient fall on close relatives, who old man trusts.

There is no cure for senile psychosis as such, curative therapy aimed at alleviating symptoms and caring for the elderly. To improve well-being and to distract the patient from thinking about his problems, walks in the fresh air, feasible physical exercise, art therapy, and acquiring a hobby are recommended.

Traumatic psychoses

Acute traumatic psychoses occur when the head hits a hard surface. For the occurrence of traumatic psychosis, the force of the blow is not important, since this type disorders appear due to cerebral edema. And this can happen with a severe traumatic brain injury or a mild concussion.

The initial period of traumatic psychosis is loss of consciousness or coma. After emerging from the unconscious state, there is a certain stupor, slowness of reactions and drowsiness. The depth of the injury is indicated by the severity of these symptoms.

In its acute form, retrograde amnesia may occur. Excessive talkativeness, with flat jokes, alternates with tearfulness and endless complaints about health.

30% of injured people experience late and distant reactions to the injury. Unmotivated aggression, conflict, decreased intelligence and acquisition of bad habits, previously unusual for the patient.

When drinking alcohol, the patient completely disinhibits all base instincts, which often ends in prison.

Treatment of traumatic psychoses

Traumatic psychosis is a consequence of traumatic brain injury, treatment is carried out in the neurosurgery department.

The success of treatment directly depends on the degree of brain damage, and in most cases only vitamin complexes, to maintain health, and sedatives to reduce the patient’s aggression.

Endogenous psychoses

The endogenous group of psychoses includes disorders that have an internal, somatic origin. This also includes hereditary diseases and senile pathologies. The main cause of endogenous psychosis is an imbalance of the central nervous and endocrine system. Such psychosis can manifest itself both in a child and in an adult, apparently healthy person.

The diagnosis is most difficult for children and adolescents. After all, the main symptoms of psychosis are irritability, inappropriate laughter, fantasies, etc. All this, to one degree or another, is inherent in many children. In the case of childhood and adolescent endogenous psychosis, the main symptom is the presence of delusions and hallucinations.

Acute endogenous psychosis can be caused by taking alcohol, drugs or uncontrolled use medical supplies, without doctor's advice. In its acute form, psychosis manifests itself as a manic, excited state, alternating with depression and apathy.

Acute organic psychosis can occur due to head injury or brain tumor. In this case, the underlying disease should first be cured, and then the patient should be monitored for the appearance of late traumatic psychosis.

Endogenous psychoses: treatment, prognosis

Endogenous psychoses are the most complex, and no one can guarantee whether endogenous psychoses can be treated. Success depends on the provoking factor and the timeliness of the patient seeking help.

Often the patient is not aware of his condition due to confusion, increased anxiety and hallucinations. During such exacerbations, hospitalization is necessary, and home treatment is out of the question. The patient may become socially dangerous. Even if the attack has passed, it will soon recur, but without treatment the patient’s personality is destroyed more and more.

It is impossible to completely cure endogenous psychosis, but antipsychotics, tranquilizers and psychocorrection can increase the time of remission and relieve acute attacks psychosis.

Begin preventive actions for endogenous psychoses, with the patient accepting his diagnosis. No one is embarrassed about stomach ulcers, but mental illness causes fear, shame and denial. A person is not to blame for bad heredity and one must come to terms with it. If there is a history of patients with schizophrenia or paranoid disorders, this is a reason not to bury your head in the sand, but to be regularly examined by a psychiatrist, and to promptly identify the onset of the disease.

The disease can be defeated if you know about it and help your body cope with the disease. It's not that difficult and is accessible to everyone. You just need to maintain a sleep schedule, exercise regularly, eat right and eliminate alcohol from your life. Positive attitude and optimism is a huge plus in the treatment of mental and somatic diseases.

Conclusion

In most cases, caring for the patient falls on the shoulders of the patient’s loved ones. Sometimes this is difficult, but the recommendations given to patients and their relatives by the attending physician must be followed strictly. The patient is not always aware of his condition, and long-term treatment may lead relatives to believe that this treatment is ineffective. In such cases, relatives stop the treatment prescribed by the doctor and turn to alternative medicine. This is dangerous, and you need to understand that mental disorders are not cured overnight. It's a daily battle and it takes some getting used to.

Can psychosis be cured?

Some types of psychosis can be treated quite successfully, and not all mental disorders are a lifelong diagnosis.

Alcoholic, senile, and hereditary psychoses require long-term treatment. Drug treatment of psychosis can achieve some remission, however, external factors, such as stress, conflicts in the family, at work, can again affect the psycho-emotional state, causing a relapse of the disease.

Patients should not completely write themselves off and refuse treatment. Even during attacks of psychosis, the personality is not destroyed, but only part of it suffers. Having relieved the symptoms, the person becomes himself again and can continue to live a normal life, like millions of healthy people. Even with schizophrenia, you can live a full life, go to work and start a family.

Not being afraid of your illness, but confronting it, is the main key to the success of treating psychosis.

The difference between neurosis and psychosis

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