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Many people may not understand psychotic disorders or how they can affect people in early adulthood differently than mature adults. When a child or juvenile adult reports hearing voices or seeing things others don’t see, many people may be deeply concerned for their mental health and want to help. Read on to learn more about how psychosis can affect early adulthood, common symptoms, treatment options, and skills to learn in online therapy—as a patient or caregiver—to manage symptoms, emotions, and stressors.
According to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, psychosis is a medical term describing a group of symptoms that occur when someone experiences trouble differentiating between what is and isn’t real. Psychosis refers to symptoms associated with various physical or mental health conditions and may be treated with psychotherapy and antipsychotic medication. Symptoms like hearing voices or seeing things others don’t see can indicate psychosis and are a cause for immediate intervention.
Several lifelong psychiatric disorders begin presenting symptoms during the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Symptoms like hearing voices or seeing things others don’t see can indicate psychosis and are a cause for immediate intervention.
Types of psychotic disorders
Many people use the term psychosis to reference symptoms related to mental health conditions grouped as psychotic disorders. This category is considered home to severe forms of mental illness, as the disconnection from reality can cause severe symptoms that disrupt daily life and functional ability. The types of psychotic disorders are outlined in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is one of the most well-known psychotic disorders, though that distinction also comes with many misconceptions. Reality disconnection, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior characterize this condition.
Schizoaffective disorder
People living with schizoaffective disorder experience symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, like bipolar disorder, which can affect their behavior, emotions, interpersonal relationships, and more.
With a shared psychotic disorder, people who have a close relationship may adopt a delusion that their loved one or partner experiences.
Postpartum psychosis
While rare, postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health emergency requiring immediate treatment occurring in a person after giving birth. Someone with this condition has a dramatically higher risk of harming themselves or their children.
>Substance or medication-induced psychotic disorder
Psychosis may be provoked by substance use. In some cases, people who misuse substances like cannabis, hallucinogens, or stimulants may be at a higher risk of experiencing an episode of psychosis, especially if they have other risk factors. In addition, prescription drugs like anticonvulsants and steroids may contribute to psychosis.
Psychosis due to a medical condition, like brain tumors or encephalitis
Some people with a medical illness may also experience psychosis. Hormone conditions like Addison’s disease, neurological problems like meningitis, and physical problems like head trauma may cause symptoms that mimic psychosis.
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What do psychotic symptoms look like in early adulthood?
Psychologists say children and adolescents can experience psychosis associated with numerous psychiatric conditions, including severe depression, anxiety, post-traumatic states, autism spectrum disorders, and others. In contrast, the same symptoms in an adult may primarily indicate schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. Below are some possible symptoms of psychosis in early adulthood:
Hallucinations, including seeing or hearing things
Delusions or paranoia
Disordered or confused thoughts
Disorganized speech
Catatonic or grossly disorganized behavior
Adverse symptoms varying by psychotic disorder
Disconnection from reality
Social isolation
Changes to eating or sleep patterns
Extreme trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
Frustration and anger
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Weight gain or loss
Vocalizing extremely unusual beliefs that may not make sense
Early psychosis and effects on mental health in young people
Psychosis is rare in children. However, in many cases, the early stages of psychosis develop in the late teenage years through early adulthood. Some people may be at a high risk of psychosis or related mental health conditions if they have a relative with a psychiatric disorder. Therefore, it can help to research your family history of mental health conditions if you have concerns.
Like many other medical and mental health conditions, psychosis can affect young people differently. The early signs of psychosis are often referred to as prodromal psychotic symptoms. Children, adolescents, and young adults may show behavioral shifts like losing interest in seeing friends, worrying that people want to hurt them, no longer caring for personal hygiene or appearance, and hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. However, these prodromal symptoms may not always progress into a psychotic illness.
The role of brain development in early psychosis is often an important factor. As young people grow, the changes in their brain structure and function can influence the onset of serious mental illness. Monitoring mental health closely is key during these formative years to provide early psychosis treatment and reduce the potential long-term effects of the condition.
The earlier a psychotic disorder is diagnosed, the higher the chance the individual can get the right treatment. Individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders can be treated with antipsychotics or other medications in addition to therapy. If a person loses touch with reality, early treatment from mental healthcare providers can ensure the individual gets the necessary support.
What help is available for psychosis in early adulthood?
Suppose you’ve noticed early warning signs of psychosis in yourself or a loved one. In that case, it can help to know what to expect when seeking treatment for psychotic disorders and other mental health conditions. After experiencing early psychosis symptoms, you may want to contact your physician, therapist, or other mental healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for evaluation so you can express your worries. An early diagnosis could mean the difference between improved and worsening quality of mental health.
Expect your provider to ask questions about your medical, psychiatric, and family history to help identify potential causes of psychosis, like physical illnesses or other mental health conditions. Your therapist will narrow down the possible mental health issues by asking questions about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, conducting brain imaging tests, and completing questionnaires to determine how you would act in a given situation.
Your mental healthcare provider will make a diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, including establishing a crisis plan in the event of a psychotic episode. There are several suggestions they might offer:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Alternative psychotherapy approaches
Antipsychotic medication(s)
Inpatient treatment
Support programs with work, social, and family themes
A primary care provider, dietitian, and mental health provider, among other health professionals, may recommend coordinated specialty care to treat psychosis. In addition, certain lifestyle changes may help improve symptoms. Examples could include avoiding drugs and alcohol (or other triggers); practicing daily self-care routines; as well as getting sufficient sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
Psychotic disorders can create substantial disturbances in your life or the life of someone you love. Consider working with a licensed therapist online through a virtual teletherapy platform like BetterHelp for the support and guidance of a mental health professional to help navigate the complex landscape of psychosis.
Therapy can help you learn to identify the triggers of psychotic episodes, develop an array of practical coping skills to manage symptoms and stressors, and research-backed psychological techniques to help you learn to minimize the impact of psychosis.
Parents or guardians concerned with emerging psychosis symptoms in their children or loved ones can contact TeenCounseling to speak with licensed therapists specializing in teletherapy for kids from 12 to 19.
Talk therapy is effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for psychotic disorders, leaving many people to wonder about the various treatment methods. Recent psychological studies indicate that online cognitive behavioral therapy treatments for psychosis can effectively reduce symptoms in many patients. Teletherapy platforms offer unique advantages, such as more cost-effective treatment pricing, shorter wait times, and an extensive network of licensed providers.
Takeaway
Psychosis can affect children, adolescents, and young adults differently than it does older people. After gaining insight into the connection between young people and psychosis and how virtual mental health services can help provide early intervention or ongoing treatment for psychotic disorders, you can hopefully feel empowered to take an informed step toward whatever resources you need. Should you desire professional, compassionate support from an experienced online therapist, reach out to the BetterHelp team today.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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