Psychosis is a mental health condition that can make it difficult for a person to know what is real and what is not. It can cause significant disruptions in thoughts and perceptions, as well as changes in behaviors. Psychosis may cause a person to see or hear things that aren’t there, strongly believe in something that is untrue, or act in unusual ways.
Help is available for someone who is experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Medication and therapy, in the right combination, offer a chance to live a more fulfilling life. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for psychosis, ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital can provide an assessment and a path to healing.
Understanding Psychosis
A person who has psychosis may hear voices, see things that aren’t there, or cling to specific beliefs that have no basis in reality. This altered perception can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships, work at a job, care for themselves, or maintain general day-to-day functioning.
Signs of psychosis include:
- Hearing, seeing, tasting, or believing things that nobody else witnesses
- Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that resist contrary evidence
- Strong and inappropriate emotions or a complete lack of emotions
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- A sudden decline in self-care
- Trouble thinking or speaking clearly or coherently
When a person first shows signs of losing contact with reality, it is called first-episode psychosis (FEP). According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, taking action during FEP to quickly connect a person with treatment can radically alter that person’s future.
Risk Factors for Psychosis
Anyone can develop psychosis, regardless of race, age, or background. However, certain risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing this condition, including:
- Mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression
- Abusing or undergoing withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, or using certain medications
- Certain neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury, infections of the brain, or severe physical illnesses
- Experiencing significant trauma, extreme stress, grief, or major life changes
- A family history of mental health disorders
- Severe sleep deprivation
Often, psychosis results from a combination of factors. The experience can vary tremendously from person to person.
The inability to know what is real can be intensely frightening. However, psychosis is treatable and often temporary. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, our dedicated team meets you where you are and cares for you as an individual. We will tailor a personalized treatment plan to your needs. You don’t have to face this alone. Our team will be with you every step of the way, offering guidance and encouragement.
Seeking Treatment for Psychosis in Greenville, North Carolina
Finding the right treatment center is crucial. ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is a psychosis treatment center in Greenville, North Carolina, that offers comprehensive care for adults.
Psychosis can completely upend your life, whether you are experiencing symptoms for the first time or have been through numerous episodes. If you or a loved one is struggling with psychosis, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our friendly intake counselors are available 24/7 to answer any questions, address your concerns, and walk you through the admissions process. You can also come to our treatment center and complete a preadmission assessment, which can help us confirm that our services are a good fit for your needs.
Our expert team provides a range of services and therapies and fosters a supportive environment for healing. Our goal is to empower people who are struggling with psychosis to regain stability, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall quality of life.
Handling an Emergency Related to Psychosis
Psychosis can sometimes lead to behavior that puts the person or others around them at risk. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself or others, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. In addition, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988.
If you live in or near Greenville, you can reach us anytime, 24/7. An intake counselor will begin the assessment process right away to determine the best way to help you or your loved one as quickly as possible.
What To Expect at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital
At our Greenville treatment center, we take a patient-centered, holistic approach to psychosis treatment. We offer a range of therapies and services designed to support your emotional, physical, and social well-being.
From the moment you arrive, you will find a safe and welcoming environment where you can focus on your health and healing. Our well-trained team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and treating you with respect, dignity, and empathy.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Basic medical care: Our doctors and nurse practitioners can provide basic medical care throughout your stay.
- Medication management services: If you are prescribed medication as part of your treatment, you will meet regularly with our medical team, who will monitor the effects of the medication and adjust the dosage as needed.
- Daily group therapy: Therapists, nurses, counselors, and mental health technicians lead daily group sessions, where you can interact with peers, gain valuable skills, and learn more about psychosis.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This evidence-based practice can help you recognize harmful thought patterns and behaviors and make positive changes.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A form of CBT, DBT can equip you to manage overwhelming emotions, improve your communication skills, and practice mindfulness.
- Motivational interviewing: Counselors may talk with you about your motivations for change and encourage you to set and achieve your goals.
- Daily experiential therapies: Guided by trained therapists, activities like art and music therapy can promote creativity and help relieve stress.
We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Benefits of Treatment for Psychosis at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital
Treatment for psychosis can significantly enhance your quality of life. By addressing the underlying causes and symptoms, treatment helps restore a sense of reality, allowing individuals to reconnect with their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Here are just some of the potential benefits. Psychosis treatment can:
- Reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic episodes
- Reduce your sense of confusion and distress by helping you reconnect with reality
- Enhance your ability to carry out everyday tasks and responsibilities
- Help you rebuild and strengthen personal relationships by addressing communication and emotional concerns
- Give you tools and techniques to manage symptoms and stress, making you more resilient
- Help you better understand psychosis for a greater sense of control
- Enhance your overall well-being and quality of life by reducing the impact of psychosis
At our psychosis treatment center, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment. When you take the first step by reaching out to us for help, you move bravely toward a healthier future.
Effects of Untreated Psychosis
Addressing psychosis early through effective care can prevent some of the most serious consequences. Without treatment, psychosis can lead to:
- Worsening symptoms
- The inability to continue work or school
- Loss of friendships or relationships, leading to social isolation
- Harm to emotional and physical health
- Increased risk for self-harm and suicide
Psychosis can affect every aspect of your life, including your relationships, career, and physical health. It can leave you feeling isolated at a time when you most need support and understanding. Over time, psychosis can affect every aspect of your daily life, creating an overall decline in well-being. Our caring, highly trained staff is here to help when you’re ready to begin treatment. Your health and well-being are our top priority.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.