10 Psychotic Episode Symptoms

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Psychosis.' National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021, nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Psychosis
• 2. 'RAISE Questions and Answers' National Institute of Mental Health, nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/raise/raise-questions-and-answers

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A psychotic episode, or psychosis, is characterized as a break from reality. It may be associated with an array of mental illnesses. In the United States, 100,000 young people experience a psychotic episode annually. In fact, every three people out of 100 experience a psychotic episode at least one time in their lives.¹‘Psychosis.’ National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021, nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Psychosis

While psychosis is, in itself, a symptom, there are some indicators that an episode may be imminent. Knowing the symptoms of psychosis may let individuals get the help they need quickly to better manage the onset of this sometimes frightening issue.

Trouble Thinking Clearly

A common symptom of an impending psychotic episode is an inability to think clearly or concentrate on one thing at a time.¹‘Psychosis.’ National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021, nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Psychosis This may be subtle or extremely pronounced depending on the individual's usual disposition.

This symptom may manifest in behavioral changes or disjointed communication, both of which can indicate that a psychotic episode may be imminent. Picking up on these clues may provide an opportunity for intervention before the onset of more severe symptoms or behavioral changes. When caught early enough, it may be possible to slow, stop or even reverse psychosis effects.¹‘Psychosis.’ National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021, nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Psychosis