What Is Spiritual Psychosis? Exploring Symptoms

What is spiritual psychosis?

Spiritual psychosis, sometimes referred to as mystical psychosis, is a mental health condition characterized by psychosis symptoms associated with religious or spiritual themes or beliefs. Symptoms of psychosis include experiences not rooted in reality, such as hallucinations and delusions. If you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate spiritual psychosis, it’s important to seek help. In this article, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of spiritual psychosis as well as available treatment options.

An overview of psychosis

Psychosis is defined as an altered state of mind. During a period of psychosis, sometimes called a “psychotic episode,” a person usually becomes detached from reality to some degree. This can be distressing, and people experiencing it may not always be aware that something is wrong. 

Common symptoms of psychosis

Psychosis tends to involve several different symptoms.

Hallucinations in psychotic experiences

Hallucinations can be described as experiences or sensations that seem real but aren’t. They can affect any of the five senses. For example, people experiencing psychosis might find themselves:

• Hearing voices, static, knocking, or banging
• Seeing figures, shapes, lights, or colors
• Tasting or smelling things that aren’t there
• Feeling sensations in their body with no clear cause

Delusions

A delusion typically refers to a belief that someone can’t be talked out of, no matter how illogical or impossible it is. Someone with a delusion may cling to it even when shown proof that it isn’t true or that there’s no such thing. Common delusions people may experience during a psychotic episode include:

• Having supernatural powers
• Being in a relationship with a celebrity
• Receiving secret messages through the radio or TV
• Having thoughts implanted in their mind
• Other people trying to harm them

Changes in mood, thought, and behavior

Psychosis can also cause mood changes and distorted thinking patterns. Although this may not be obvious to the person themselves, their friends and loved ones might start noticing changes in their behaviors and routines, such as:

• A loss of motivation to perform daily tasks
• A loss of ability to feel pleasure
• Changes in speech, such as rambling, mixing up words, or drifting off-topic
• A loss of interest in socializing and relationships
• Unpredictable behavior

Causes and variations of psychosis

Psychosis can look different for different people. Although it’s often associated with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, it can also have many different causes. People may experience psychosis due to extreme stress, lack of sleep, head trauma, or other conditions. 

What is spiritual psychosis, and is it an official term?

If you have strong religious or spiritual beliefs, these might play an important role in your life. When something happens to make you rethink or question those beliefs, this can be distressing. You might find yourself wondering about the meaning of life, the human condition, your purpose, or your values. You might also have questions about the nature of reality, a higher power, or what happens after death. 

In the field of transpersonal psychology, which generally views human spirituality in the context of psychology, this is sometimes called having a “spiritual crisis” or a “spiritual emergency.”

Causes of spiritual emergencies: What is spiritual psychosis?

Spiritual emergencies can have various causes:

• The death of a loved one
• A near-death experience 
• A terminal illness
• Using mind-altering substances
• Deep meditation or other spiritual experiences
• Major life changes, like divorce or childbirth

Psychosis and spiritual emergencies: Similarities and triggers

Like psychosis, spiritual emergencies can look different for different people. However, they are often defined by intense changes in thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Some common symptoms include the following:

• Intense emotions or mood swings
• Changes in perception 
• Feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself
• Anxiety about and obsession with existential ideas
• Changes in relationships
• Trouble managing daily responsibilities
• Intrusive thoughts with religious content

The causes of psychosis and spiritual emergencies can also overlap. Psychedelic substances can serve as one example. These substances may cause some people to experience a sense of “spiritual emergence.” However, these transcendent states can sometimes have psychotic features. For others, psychedelic substances may even trigger psychosis. 

How spiritual psychosis affects daily functioning

Spiritual psychosis can have a significant impact on a person’s self-awareness and ability to function in their daily life. Symptoms can affect everyday tasks, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Impact on relationships, work, and routines

Someone experiencing spiritual psychosis may seem to be living in a different reality. This can make it hard to function socially. Often, work, school, and relationships suffer as a result of this condition. Professional support in the form of therapy, support groups, and medication can help someone with psychotic symptoms lead a normal life.

When symptoms interfere with overall well-being

Psychotic symptoms, combined with the disruption to a person’s life can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. As a result, they may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia. 

What causes or triggers spiritual psychosis?

Spiritual psychosis may be triggered by intense spiritual experiences. These experiences may begin as positive and enlightening but ultimately become disorienting.

Biological and psychological risk factors

Though anyone can experience spiritual psychosis, there may be certain risk factors that predispose individuals to this condition. For example, people with a family history of mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be at a higher risk.

Life stressors and environmental triggers

In many cases, stressful life events, or a single traumatic event can trigger spiritual psychosis, especially in an individual predisposed to the condition. In other cases, sleep deprivation or spiritual practices like fasting or isolation may play a role. 

Religious and cultural context in spiritual psychosis

An individual’s religious beliefs, religious activities, and cultural background often play a significant role in shaping their specific symptoms. For example, a person may have delusions that they’ve been possessed by demons or other supernatural beings. Hallucinations may include visits from angels, prophets, or other spiritual deities. 

Why cultural sensitivity matters in assessment and care

When evaluating a patient experiencing spiritual psychosis, it could be crucial that the clinical interview acknowledge and respect the person’s cultural and religious background. Clinicians often focus on the severity of symptoms and impairment on daily functioning rather than confirming or denying the patient’s specific beliefs.

Differentiating a spiritual experience from a psychotic episode

Given their similarities, it may not always be easy to distinguish a spiritual crisis from a psychotic episode in the present moment. However, research has uncovered a few clues that may make them easier to tell apart. 

Study on the overlap between spiritual crises and psychosis

In a 2020 study, researchers looked at 106 people who were seeking help for mental health symptoms. They used a tool called the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS) to evaluate whether the patients’ symptoms met the criteria for psychosis. They found that there were usually similarities between spiritual crises and psychosis, like symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

That said, a few symptoms were only present in psychosis, such as disturbances in thinking and social function.   

Seeking professional help for spiritual experiences and psychosis

Even though there may be ways to tell them apart, distinguishing between a spiritual experience and psychosis often requires an expert opinion. Only licensed mental health professionals can officially diagnose or rule out psychosis or other forms of mental illness. If you have concerns about your experiences, you might want to talk to your doctor. They may be able to help with examining signs of psychosis, getting more insight into your symptoms, and if needed, recommending psychiatric services.

Online therapy for psychosis symptoms and mental health

Talk therapy is proven to be effective for treating symptoms of psychosis. While therapy can be an effective treatment for psychosis symptoms, some people may avoid in-person therapy because they feel ashamed of their symptoms. With online therapy therapy, you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own home. 

Online CBT for psychosis and mental health

Research shows that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy can serve as effective support for reducing symptoms of psychosis and encouraging personal growth. One study observed adherence patterns and efficacy of internet-based therapy in 100 participants who had been diagnosed with a lifetime psychotic disorder. The results of the study show that patients who completed more modules throughout the eight-week treatment period experienced lower levels of delusions, compared to participants who completed fewer modules throughout the eight-week treatment period.