Psychosis or Schizophrenia…

Psychosis & Schizophrenia

Key Differences

Psychosis and schizophrenia are often discussed together but represent distinct concepts in mental health.

The primary difference lies in their classification:

• Psychosis is a symptom or a group of symptoms that indicate a loss of touch with reality. It can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal behaviuor. Psychosis can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and other neurological or medical conditions.
• Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms, including psychosis. However, schizophrenia also includes additional symptoms such as disorganized speech, disorganized behaviour, catatonic behaviour, negative symptoms (e.g., reduced emotional expression, loss of motivation), and cognitive impairments.

Symptoms and Characteristics

Psychosis:

• Hallucinations: Perceiving things that are not there, such as hearing voices or seeing things.
• Delusions: Strong beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing one is being followed or has special powers.
• Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty in organizing thoughts, leading to incoherent speech or writing.
• Abnormal Behavior: Engaging in unusual or erratic behavior that is out of character.

Schizophrenia:

• Positive Symptoms: Symptoms that add to existing functionality of self, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.
• Negative Symptoms: Symptoms that subtract from normal functioning, such as reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.
• Cognitive Symptoms: Impairments in memory, attention, and executive function.
• Disorganized Speech: Incoherent or illogical speech.
• Disorganized Behavior: Unpredictable or inappropriate behavior.
• Catatonic Behavior: Extreme immobility or excessive movement without apparent purpose.

Causes and Risk Factors

Psychosis:

• Mental Health Conditions: Bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder.
• Neurological Conditions: Stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Substance Abuse: Use or withdrawal from drugs and alcohol.
• Stress and Trauma: Severe stress, lack of sleep, and traumatic events.

Schizophrenia:

• Genetics: Family history of schizophrenia increases the risk.
• Brain Structure: Abnormalities in brain structure and function.
• Prenatal and Birth Complications: Issues during pregnancy or birth, such as maternal infections or oxygen deprivation.
• Environmental Factors: Stress, substance abuse, and social isolation.

Diagnosis

Psychosis:

• Medical Screening: Physical examination to rule out medical conditions.
• Mental Health Assessments: Evaluation of symptoms, personal and family medical history, medication use, and substance use.
• Diagnostic Criteria: No specific criteria; diagnosis depends on the underlying condition causing the psychosis.

Schizophrenia:

• Diagnostic Criteria: According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of schizophrenia requires at least two of the following symptoms for a significant portion of time during a one-month period (with some level of disturbance for six months):
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized speech
• Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms
• Exclusion of Other Conditions: Ruling out other mental health conditions and medical causes of psychosis.

Treatment

Psychosis:

• Medication Management: Antipsychotic medications to reduce symptoms.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address distorted thinking and coping strategies.
• Support Systems: Family support, group therapy, and community resources.

Schizophrenia:

• Antipsychotic Medication: Long-term use to manage symptoms and prevent relapse.
• Psychotherapy: CBT, family therapy, and vocational rehabilitation.
• Support Services: Community support, housing assistance, and employment services.

Prognosis and Recovery

Psychosis:

• Variable Outcomes: Depending on the underlying cause, psychosis can be treated effectively, and symptoms may resolve completely.
• Early Intervention: Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Schizophrenia:

• Chronic Condition: Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, but with appropriate treatment, many people can lead fulfilling lives.
• Ongoing Management: Continuous treatment and support are essential for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Summary Table

Aspect	Psychosis	Schizophrenia
Definition	Symptom or group of symptoms indicating a loss of touch with reality	Chronic mental health disorder with a combination of symptoms, including psychosis
Symptoms	Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, abnormal behavior	Positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, catatonic behavior
Causes	Mental health conditions, neurological conditions, substance abuse, stress	Genetics, brain structure, prenatal and birth complications, environmental factors
Diagnosis	Medical screening, mental health assessments	DSM-5 criteria, exclusion of other conditions
Treatment	Medication management, psychotherapy, support systems	Antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy, support services
Prognosis	Variable outcomes, early intervention improves prognosis	Lifelong condition, ongoing management improves quality of life

Understanding the differences between psychosis and schizophrenia is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.

References:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

• This manual provides the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia and other mental health disorders, including the symptoms and characteristics of psychosis.

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Schizophrenia.

• NIMH offers comprehensive information on schizophrenia, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
• Link

1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Schizophrenia.

• WHO provides global perspectives on schizophrenia, including prevalence, impact, and management strategies.
• Link

1. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Schizophrenia.

• Mayo Clinic offers detailed information on schizophrenia, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Link

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2023). Schizophrenia.

• NAMI provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by schizophrenia.
• Link

1. American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). What Is Schizophrenia?

• APA offers an overview of schizophrenia, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
• Link

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Psychosis.

• NIMH provides information on psychosis, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
• Link

1. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Psychosis.

• Mayo Clinic offers detailed information on psychosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Link