Psychosis is a mental health state that affects how the brain processes information. When someone experiences psychosis, they may see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. While this can sound frightening, it’s important to understand that psychosis is treatable, and support is available.

At Columbia Associates, our experienced mental health team provides compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing psychosis. The most common mental health condition in which individuals experience psychosis is schizophrenia. Our team specializes in schizophrenia treatment and offers a full spectrum of outpatient services in Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. metro area.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is not a diagnosis itself but rather a grouping of symptoms that indicates a disruption in the brain’s ability to understand reality. Psychosis symptoms can be short-term or chronic and affect people differently. Common symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Approximately 3 in 100 people will experience a form of psychosis at some point in their lives. With treatment, it’s possible for individuals to live beautiful, meaningful lives.

Psychosis and schizophrenia: What’s the connection?

While psychosis can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, it’s most commonly linked with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that includes lengthy or repeated episodes of psychosis. However, experiencing psychosis does not necessarily mean someone has a schizophrenia diagnosis.

Other conditions that may include psychosis as a symptom:

• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use
• Medical conditions like brain injuries or illnesses

Understanding the connection between psychosis and schizophrenia helps people understand when to seek professional support and what treatment might be most effective for them. Columbia Associates offers the clinical expertise you need. We’ll help you provide an accurate diagnosis and proceed with high-quality therapy and medication.

Recognizing the symptoms of psychosis

Psychosis can be difficult to recognize, especially in its early stages. However, there are some common signs to watch for:

• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t present (e.g., voices)
• Delusions: False or irrational beliefs (e.g., believing people are out to get you)
• Troubled thinking: Disorganized thinking that can sometimes impact your ability to make sense while having a conversation
• Reduced emotional expression: Flat affect, lack of facial expressions, or emotional withdrawal
• Unusual behavior: Acting in ways that seem inappropriate or disconnected from reality

These symptoms may come on gradually or appear seemingly out of nowhere, and they’re often quite distressing and confusing for the person experiencing them.

What causes psychosis?

Psychosis is the result of a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Some of these factors include:

• Genetics: A family history of psychosis or schizophrenia increases the risk
• Chemical imbalances: Changes in brain chemistry, especially involving dopamine, are often involved
• Substance use: Cannabis, methamphetamine, and LSD have all been linked to psychotic episodes
• Trauma or severe stress: Significant stress or trauma can cause symptoms of psychosis in some people
• Medical conditions: Infections, neurological conditions, or autoimmune issues can also contribute to the development of psychosis

No matter the cause, early identification and treatment of psychosis can help you manage your symptoms and regain control of your life. You deserve to care for yourself well—that includes good mental health treatment.

How Columbia Associates can help you live life fully

A life of unpredictable psychosis symptoms can be overwhelming for those experiencing them. It can be overwhelming for loved ones. But you don’t have to live with fear or anxiety about these episodes. Your symptoms can be managed with effective, compassionate therapy and medication. Columbia Associates offers both, and we’re ready to partner with a client-centered, collaborative treatment.

Our services include:

• Therapy: Sessions with expert therapists trained in evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and a host of other therapeutic modalities to meet each client’s unique needs
• Psychiatric medication management: Our psychiatric providers specialize in managing conditions like schizophrenia and psychotic disorders with medication
• NeuroStar® TMS: This FDA-cleared treatment for depression and OCD may benefit people who experience co-occurring depression alongside psychotic symptoms. It’s not used to treat psychosis itself

Our team will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for you. Our goal is for you to build a quality, healthy life that you can be proud of.

Contact Columbia Associates today for the treatment you need to thrive

The earlier someone receives treatment for psychosis, the better the chances for recovery. Left unchecked, psychosis can interfere with relationships and your ability to function as you’d like. Early intervention improves your long-term mental health outcome by reducing the severity and length of psychotic episodes. With treatment, you can regain a sense of stability.

At Columbia Associates, we offer supportive services that will help you live as independently as possible and set goals for the future. Whether your care includes therapy, medication, or both, our team is here to support your journey. Give us a call today at 703.682.8208 to learn more.

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