5 Stages of Psychosis

Experiencing the 5 stages of psychosis causes great distress for a person. They may not understand what is happening to them and not seek professional treatment. This can cause a lifetime of cycling through or being stuck in the symptoms and not getting any relief.

While a full recovery from psychosis is not possible for everyone due to the chronic nature of the disease, some people do recover fully with the right treatment program. Montare Behavioral Health in Tucson understands the challenges of living with psychosis. We offer a structured residential program to help people learn to manage their symptoms. Our team of dedicated, licensed therapists guides the individual through therapy sessions designed to help them adapt some of their emotional and thinking skills. We make living with psychosis easier to manage or help a person recover fully.

The 5 Stages of Psychosis

There are 5 distinct phases to psychosis, and each has identifiable symptoms. Because psychosis can develop without the individual or their loved ones knowing what is happening, it’s important to recognize the stages. 

Early Stage

During the early stage, the individual may suspect something is off but not know what. They may struggle with speech or memory but not associate it with oncoming psychosis. Common symptoms include:

• Withdrawing from others
• Feeling depressed
• Difficulty getting motivated
• Work or school life suffer
• A sense of being controlled by outside forces
• Easily irritated
• Excessive worrying
• Disturbance in sleep patterns
• Hallucinations such as seeing, hearing, or smelling things that aren’t there
• Thinking or saying things that don’t make sense
• Becoming suspicious of people and situations
• Believing messages are being sent from strangers, media, and other sources to the person

The cause of early-stage symptoms may be an event that causes tremendous stress or anxiety. It may also signal the onset of an illness like Alzheimer’s disease.

Being Overwhelmed

This phase often begins with a psychotic episode such as believing an outside source is controlling the person or they start hallucinating. The individual does not realize their symptoms are worsening, but those around them realize something is wrong and try to help. Common symptoms include:

• Hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things that aren’t actually there
• Difficulty focusing on anything but the hallucinations
• Confronting others who challenge what the person feels is reality
• Feeling angry at others
• Lack of self-control
• Sleeping fewer hours

These symptoms begin to occur due to the progression of the psychosis. The more the person pushes away their loved ones and rejects reality, the more hardcore the symptoms become.

Struggling with Psychosis Vulnerability

During this stage, the initial psychotic episodes have ended, and the person realizes something is not right. They feel vulnerable emotionally and mentally and may feel embarrassment over what has transpired. Common symptoms include:

• Denying the condition is happening
• Feeling guilty
• Conflict with others
• Unsure of what the future will be like

These symptoms occur because the person is far enough into their psychosis that they know something is wrong. They begin to adjust to living this new life while still struggling with painful emotions.

Living with Psychosis Vulnerability

The person begins to adhere to living with their psychosis and understands that it’s their new normal. They may be on prescription medications at this time. Common symptoms include:

• Learning to move out of the person’s comfort zone and test some boundaries.
• Pulling back from loved ones in an attempt to establish more independence.
• Working with therapists and caregivers to promote healing and stay able to provide solo care for themselves.

The fourth stage of psychosis is about developing strengths and coping skills to help the person adjust to their mental health challenges. 

Life Beyond Psychosis

The individual begins living with more independence and an acceptance of their condition. Those who can achieve a full recovery from psychosis concentrate on working toward this goal. For those who have an incurable type of psychotic disorder, the goal is to learn to live with it in a way that does not make it front and center in their lives. The person uses their healthy coping skills and works hard to avoid relapsing. Regularly attending medical or psychiatric appointments and taking their medication is vital to this stage. 

How to Achieve Full Recovery After Psychosis

For those who have a psychotic condition they can recover from, there are some basic tips to help them do so. They include:

• Going to therapy sessions that promote healing from the person’s disorder. This includes individual therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
• Taking medications as prescribed.
• Working on decreasing stressful situations and things that trigger psychosis symptoms.
• Creating a way of living that promotes having good mental health.
• Being patient with the process.

Receive Help for Psychosis at Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson

Do you recognize yourself or someone you love in the 5 stages of psychosis? Psychotic disorders can severely hamper a person’s ability to participate in life if they do not have proper treatment. Montare Behavioral Health in Tucson created a plan to treat psychosis that helps people manage and minimize their symptoms. While a full recovery from psychosis is not possible for many people, learning to control their symptoms and lead a more active and calmer life is possible.  Our skilled team of mental health experts works with people who have psychosis in our cozy residential center. We help them feel at home and work on controlling their symptoms and enjoying better mental health.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or someone you love. Our friendly admissions staff stands ready to answer your questions and give you hope for the future.

Published: 11/19/2024