What might be causing psychosis?
Understanding psychosis isn't always straightforward. It can result from a combination of things like genetics, environment, and life experiences. These factors will vary from person to person, but here are some things we know about the role the brain plays in psychosis:
- Chemicals called neurotransmitters help your brain cells talk to one another. When you experience psychosis, the communication between these cells can get mixed up, impacting your thoughts and beliefs.
- Your brain has specific parts that help you make sense of the world around you. When you experience psychosis, these parts change, affecting how you see and understand things around you.
If you are experiencing psychosis, remember it's not your fault or something that you have chosen. Psychosis is just one aspect of you, not your entire identity.
By learning more about the causes of psychosis, we can reduce stigma and create more understanding and kindness for you and everyone affected.
You can find some of the most common causes for psychosis listed below:
- Genetic predisposition
The highest risk factor for psychosis is having a family history. Some family genes can make you more likely to experience changes in your brain. While this genetic link can increase your chance of developing psychosis, it does not necessarily mean that you will.
Life events matter, too. For example, if you have these sensitive genes and you've been through a lot of stress or tough times, this combination could increase your risk. But remember, it’s often not just one single factor that can result in psychosis.
- Hormonal influences
- Environmental factors
- Psychosocial factors
“I experienced my first psychosis episode after giving birth to my second child.”
Triggers
Being aware of what triggers your episodes of psychosis can help you understand them. By understanding and identifying triggers, you can take steps to avoid or manage them. This can help reduce or prevent the intensity of the symptoms you experience.
It can be hard and exhausting to be constantly thinking about your triggers and managing your experience of psychosis. Over time, many people say that managing psychosis does become easier. Remember, Lifeline is always here to support you if times get tough, and there are a range of other services and people available to help you.
We have listed some of the most commonly reported triggers below:
- Lack of sleep can lead to increased hallucinations, strange beliefs, and problems with thinking clearly
- Significant life changes or traumatic situations can worsen hallucinations, suspicion, and chaotic thoughts. Some medications prescribed for other conditions may worsen psychotic symptoms.
- Using drugs or alcohol can have a big impact on psychosis symptoms. Particular drugs like cannabis, amphetamines, and hallucinogens can increase risk of psychosis symptoms.
- Things in your environment, such as loud noises or crowded places, can overwhelm you. This may result in increased symptoms of psychosis.
- Being alone or not having supportive people around can make psychotic symptoms worse. Feeling connected and having a supportive network can help manage these symptoms.
- Not taking prescribed medication as directed can make your symptoms of psychosis worse
- If your daily routine gets disrupted, it can make things unstable for you and may result in increased symptoms
- Hormone changes, like during periods or pregnancy, can affect symptoms of psychosis in some people
- Not engaging in your treatment plan can make it harder to manage symptoms.
