Conditions
Psychosis
Psychosis refers to a group of symptoms that disrupt how the mind processes information, leading to a loss of contact with reality. At Doro Mind, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and the families who support them.
GET STARTEDUnderstanding Psychosis
During an episode of psychosis, people may experience hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking, making it difficult for them to distinguish what's real from what isn't. Whether you are experiencing this yourself or witnessing your loved one struggle in unpredictable ways, it can feel frightening, confusing, and isolating.
Psychosis refers to a cluster of psychological symptoms that result in a disrupted sense of reality. While only about 1.5 to 3.5 percent of people may meet the diagnostic criteria for a psychotic disorder, many others may experience at least one psychotic symptom at some point in their lives.
These symptoms are not limited to a single diagnosis, and psychosis can appear across a wide range of psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and medical conditions. It is one of the main symptoms of the schizophrenia spectrum and related disorders.
According to the DSM-5, psychotic disorders are defined by abnormalities in at least one of five core symptom domains, discussed below.
Five Core Symptom Domains
Symptoms of Psychosis
The impact of psychosis is often far-reaching, deeply affecting not only those experiencing it but also their families and caregivers. Select each domain below to learn more.
Progression
Stages of Psychosis
Psychosis typically unfolds in three stages. However, the experience can vary from person to person based on the timing, intensity, and symptoms. Understanding these stages can help guide timely and appropriate care.
Prodrome
This is the early stage, marked by subtle changes in your loved one's thoughts, feelings, or behavior. These changes might include withdrawal from others, mood shifts, trouble focusing, or unusual thoughts. Since the signs can be vague, this phase is often challenging to recognize. Prodrome is considered an early warning period for psychotic disorder, and identifying subtle changes can make a meaningful difference in treatment and outcomes.
Acute
In this stage, symptoms become more evident and disruptive. You may observe delusions, disorganized thinking, or unusual behavior in your loved one. This is often the point at which you should reach out for professional support.
Recovery
With treatment, your loved one may experience relief from symptoms and regain stability. This phase focuses on healing, rebuilding daily functioning, and preventing relapse. While stability is possible, it will look different for each person and there may still be a risk of future episodes and a need for ongoing support over time.
Warning Signs
Early Signs of Psychosis
Your loved one may show changes in their behavior before any signs of psychosis begin. These behavioral warning signs can include:
Growing suspicious of others or developing paranoid thoughts
Difficulty thinking clearly or logically
Withdrawing from social life or spending more time alone
Expressing unusual ideas or showing very strong or very flat emotions
Neglecting personal hygiene or self-care
Trouble sleeping, including staying up very late or not sleeping much
Confusing fantasy with reality
Trouble expressing thoughts clearly or communicating
Sudden drop in school or job performance
Emotional ups and downs
Heightened anxiety
Low motivation or energy
Difficulty managing daily responsibilities
In some cases, psychosis can lead to behavior that's unpredictable or alarming. It's important to understand that with effective management and meaningful support, the risk of harm to oneself or others can be significantly reduced.
Contributing Factors
Causes of Psychosis
Psychosis does not have a single cause. Instead, it often results from a complex mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:
Genetic vulnerability
Changes in brain development or function
Exposure to stress or trauma
Substance use
Sleep deprivation
Head trauma
Age-related illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
Other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
Since the causes of psychosis vary widely, a thorough medical and psychological evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying factors for effective treatment.
Assessment
Diagnosis of Psychosis
Your loved one may not fully understand or accept that something is wrong, a condition known as anosognosia. This is more than denial; it's a clinical symptom that makes it difficult for them to recognize or understand the signs or symptoms of their condition.
This can be incredibly distressing for you, as your loved one may resist getting care. At Doro Mind, we guide you to gently encourage open conversations about treatment and offer support in scheduling and attending appointments. We may also request your help documenting symptoms and sharing observations with our team.
History We Gather
Our providers begin by obtaining detailed information to understand the full picture:
- When symptoms started and how they've progressed
- Previous psychiatric conditions or hospitalizations
- Current and past medical issues
- Medications (both psychiatric and non-psychiatric)
- Substance use history
- Social and family background
- Exposure to trauma (emotional, physical, or sexual)
- Suicidal thoughts or previous attempts
- Hallucinations or unusual perceptions
Clinical Observation
Our providers may also observe and assess:
- Appearance and behavior
- Speech and communication
- Mood and emotional expression
- Thought patterns and content
- Insight and judgment
Since your loved one may not always be able to give the most concise answer due to their underlying condition, our team works closely with you to provide a full picture.
Medical Tests
To rule out physical or substance-related causes of psychosis, we may recommend:
- Urine toxicology screening
- Blood work (CBC, metabolic panel, liver function tests, thyroid function, vitamin B12)
- HIV testing
- Brain imaging (CT scan or MRI)
- EEG (to assess brain activity)
- Autoimmune or rheumatologic testing
Once other medical, substance-induced, or medication-related causes have been ruled out, we can consider whether the symptoms may be part of a primary psychotic disorder.
Our Approach
Managing Psychosis at Doro Mind
At Doro Mind, we recognize that every patient's experience with psychosis is unique, and so is the path to healing. Our approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based care.
The treatment plan we recommend is tailored to the underlying cause of psychosis, whether medical, psychiatric, or substance-related. In some cases, addressing the root cause may be all that's needed to relieve symptoms. In others, a combination of medical and therapeutic support provides the best outcome.
Medication Management
Antipsychotic medications are often a core part of treatment. Since each person responds differently to medication, our providers work closely with you to find the most effective medication with the fewest side effects. Depending on your loved one's needs, adjunct medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, may also be considered.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help your loved one better understand and manage distressing thoughts or perceptions, build coping strategies, and improve insight into their condition. It's a valuable tool that can empower them to actively participate in their own recovery.
Clozapine Treatment
Clozapine is a proven antipsychotic for those who have not responded to other medications. Our provider, Dr. Robert Laitman, specializes in Clozapine-based treatment, providing personalized, closely monitored care to ensure it's administered safely and responsibly to support lasting recovery.
Learn more →Coordinated Specialty Care
Doro Mind embraces a team-based, recovery-oriented model of care. We involve you and existing providers in treatment planning to achieve better long-term outcomes.
Inpatient or Crisis Support When Needed
When short-term hospitalization or intensive care may be necessary, our team offers support to ensure a smooth transition between levels of care and continues to guide you throughout the recovery process.
Support for Underlying Conditions
Your loved one living with serious mental illness can also experience co-occurring conditions such as substance use, trauma, anxiety, or mood disorders. Our team helps you understand how these challenges may impact their mental health and treatment and ensures these conditions are addressed through integrated care.
Learn more →At Doro Mind, our team supports you and your loved one throughout every stage of recovery by providing clear guidance, thoughtful care, and hope for a stable and meaningful life.
Doro Care provides personalized treatment, including careful diagnosis, medication management, and evidence-based therapies.
Doro Compass offers enhanced care coordination and caregiver support anywhere in the U.S. Whether your loved one needs support navigating early symptoms, transitioning from a hospital stay, or any other ongoing challenges, our team can help you manage them.
Get Trusted Care
Get Trusted Care for Psychosis
At Doro Mind, we understand how overwhelming and confusing it can be to care for your loved one with psychosis. Our compassionate team can guide your family through each stage of recovery, offering expert evaluation, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support tailored to individual needs.