What Does It Mean to Have a Psychotic Break?

Some research shows that 3 in 100 people will experience a psychotic break at some point in their lives. Learn about the causes, signs, and treatment of psychotic breaks to recognize when they occur.

Causes of a Psychotic Break 

Experts don't fully understand psychosis, but several factors have emerged as the most likely causes of a psychotic break:

• Genetics: If you have a family history of psychosis or conditions linked to psychosis, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, you are more likely to have a psychotic break than others. This does not mean you'll necessarily develop the condition, however.
• Physical or emotional trauma: A traumatic event can trigger a psychotic break, especially in people who are already genetically predisposed to developing psychotic breaks. 
• Drug abuse: Abusing certain drugs such as amphetamines and alcohol can increase your risk. 
• Brain injuries: After a traumatic brain injury, be on the lookout for early signs of psychosis. 
• Medical conditions: A psychotic break is sometimes a sign of a mental health condition such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Other medical conditions linked to psychosis include depression, schizoaffective disorder, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Stress: The likelihood of a psychotic break increases if the person has other risk factors for psychosis.

Signs of a Psychotic Break 

A psychotic break can happen suddenly and frighten both the person and the people around them. Some of the most common early symptoms of a psychotic break include: 

• Difficulty concentrating 
• An unexplainable drop in grades or performance at work 
• Neglecting personal hygiene and self-care 
• Self-isolating 
• Experiencing strong emotions 
• Having no emotions 

A psychotic break often produces symptoms that can be classified as hallucinations or delusions. Examples of hallucinations and delusions include: 

• Hearing things that aren’t there 
• Seeing things that no one else can see 
• Believing that you have special powers 
• Believing that external forces are controlling you 

Other symptoms include: 

• Speaking irregularly, this could either be too quickly or too slowly 
• Having severe mood swings 
• Having anxiety 
• Becoming even more isolated 
• Behaving inappropriately 
• Having disordered thoughts 

During a hallucination, a person sees, hears, or otherwise experiences things that aren't there or that are distorted; Someone with delusions has erroneous or irrational beliefs.

Treatment for a Psychotic Break 

Treatment for a psychotic break typically involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy, depending on the severity of the psychosis and the underlying cause.

Medication 

Several antipsychotic medications have been developed for the treatment of psychosis. Antipsychotics aim to regulate dopamine in your brain. Dopamine plays a prominent role in triggering psychosis. Serotonin can also be involved. Glutamate and the NMDA receptor are also thought to play an important role. 

Antipsychotics could either be first-generation (sometimes called typical) or second-generation (sometimes called atypical). Second-generation antipsychotics include drugs like Haldol (haloperidol), Prolixin (fluphenazine), Stelazine (trifluoperazine), and Loxitane (loxapine). Commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics include Abilify (aripiprazole), Invega (paliperidone), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), and Risperdal (risperidone).

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy is often recommended in combination with medication for the treatment of psychosis. The following forms of psychotherapy have proven to be effective in treating a psychotic break:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is often the first point of call when using therapy to treat several mental health conditions. During CBT, you’ll be taught to understand what’s happening to you during a psychotic break better. You’ll also be equipped with techniques to help you prevent or manage symptoms of a psychotic break, such as reducing mental stress and taking better care of your body and mind. 
• Family therapy: A psychotic break affects not just you but the people around you too. Family therapy is recommended to help your loved ones understand what’s going on with you and how best to help you during a psychotic break. The care and support of your loved ones during and after a psychotic break can help you cope with your condition better. 

How to Help Someone Having a Psychotic Break 

Witnessing someone experience a psychotic break can be frightening. They are likely to do or say things that are out of character and could be hurtful to you. However, your support through and after the episode is crucial.

Although a person experiencing a psychotic break might behave oddly, remember that they are not in control of their behavior and need your support.