Q&A for How to Deal with Somebody Who Is Having a Psychotic Episode

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  • Question
    Can psychosis be brought on by stress?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    Yes, very extreme stress can trigger a psychotic episode. The combination of lack of rest, dire circumstances, isolation from everything and everyone familiar, and a complete lack of control can result in a psychotic episode or a series of such episodes.
  • Question
    What triggers a psychotic episode?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    A psychotic episode can be triggered by street drugs, a mental disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar illness, or extreme physical or emotional exhaustion. Examples of the latter can be: prisoners of war or enslaved captives.
  • Question
    What are the signs and symptoms of a psychotic breakdown?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    When someone experiences a psychotic breakdown, there is a complete break with reality. For example, the person may undress in public, preach on a street corner or at a corporate meeting, or imagine imminent danger where is none.
  • Question
    What can you do about sexual abuse psychosis if no abuse had ever happened in the past? Is it possible that reading about sexual abuse could trigger someone?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    There may be a variety of factors at work. It's best to contact a mental health professional so they can better help determine the best course of treatment.
  • Question
    Just last night my partner was experiencing an episode. He kept saying he heard things and saw blood everywhere. What should I do?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    It's best to be supportive of them and just listen to what they have to say. Be sure to inquire about any mental health treatment that they may be receiving and encourage them to talk to a professional.
  • Question
    How do you talk to a delusional person?
    Noel Hunter, Psy.D
    Clinical Psychologist
    Dr. Noel Hunter is a Clinical Psychologist based in New York City. She is the director and founder of MindClear Integrative Psychotherapy. She specializes in using a trauma-informed, humanistic approach for treating and advocating for people diagnosed with mental disorders. Dr. Hunter holds a BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida, an MA in Psychology from New York University, and a doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) from Long Island University. She has been featured in National Geographic, BBC News, CNN, TalkSpace, and Parents magazine. She is also the author of the book Trauma and Madness in Mental Health Services.
    Clinical Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    The most important thing is not to argue with them. Don't try to tell them whatever they're saying or believing is untrue. That's probably just going to make them angry, and it's going to make them feel unsafe. If you can find a way to work within the world they believe themselves to be in, the more likely they are to work with you.
  • Question
    How do you help someone with psychosis?
    Noel Hunter, Psy.D
    Clinical Psychologist
    Dr. Noel Hunter is a Clinical Psychologist based in New York City. She is the director and founder of MindClear Integrative Psychotherapy. She specializes in using a trauma-informed, humanistic approach for treating and advocating for people diagnosed with mental disorders. Dr. Hunter holds a BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida, an MA in Psychology from New York University, and a doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) from Long Island University. She has been featured in National Geographic, BBC News, CNN, TalkSpace, and Parents magazine. She is also the author of the book Trauma and Madness in Mental Health Services.
    Clinical Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    Try to work with them to help them feel safe, whatever that means for them. For instance, it might mean calling their doctor or calling someone from their support system who knows how to work with them in this state.
  • Question
    What can trigger a psychotic episode?
    Noel Hunter, Psy.D
    Clinical Psychologist
    Dr. Noel Hunter is a Clinical Psychologist based in New York City. She is the director and founder of MindClear Integrative Psychotherapy. She specializes in using a trauma-informed, humanistic approach for treating and advocating for people diagnosed with mental disorders. Dr. Hunter holds a BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida, an MA in Psychology from New York University, and a doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) from Long Island University. She has been featured in National Geographic, BBC News, CNN, TalkSpace, and Parents magazine. She is also the author of the book Trauma and Madness in Mental Health Services.
    Clinical Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    That's tricky to answer because it's different for everyone. Often, the main underlying factor is a history of trauma. Certain triggers might include an overload of stress, being in a situation where you feel you have no way out, or even malnutrition.
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