Bipolar Psychosis: Causes, Types, and Treatment

Bipolar psychosis is a loss of awareness in which a person is unable to discern between what is real and what is imagined. Hallucinations and/or delusions, which involve experiencing unreal sights, sounds, sensations, tastes, or smells, are examples of symptoms. In individuals with bipolar I disorder (the more severe type of illness), psychosis frequently follows episodes of high mania. It can also occur in those with bipolar II disorder, albeit it is less common.

Other forms of mental disease, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, also include psychosis as a symptom. A psychotic episode can also be brought on by certain medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, and stroke. These conditions can even be severe manifestations of postpartum depression. Over the course of their life, more than half of bipolar illness sufferers will encounter at least one psychotic symptom. The causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of bipolar psychosis are covered in this article. Additionally, it looks at available therapies and coping mechanisms.

Well, in this article we’ll be talking about Bipolar Psychosis: Causes, Types, and Treatment. Whereby the answers to the following question will be discussed:

What is Bipolar Psychosis?
What are the Causes of Bipolar Psychosis?
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Psychosis?
How to Diagnose Bipolar Psychosis?
What is the Treatment of Bipolar Psychosis?

Contents

What is Bipolar Psychosis?

Extreme mood swings associated with the mood condition bipolar disorder can lead to psychosis. Psychosis describes a disjointed perception of reality. Hallucinations and delusions may be a part of it. Extreme mood swings and other symptoms can be experienced by someone with bipolar disorder. It can affect one’s capacity to function on a daily basis as well as their energy, activity levels, sleep, and communication.

Manic to depressed phases are possible in moods. Extreme elation and high levels of energy are common during manic episodes. If a depressive episode does develop, the person may experience such extremely low mood that they are unable to function or do anything. Bipolar disorder can manifest in several stages, including psychosis. It’s not always present, though, and not everyone who has bipolar disorder will notice it. Although it can be terrifying for both the individual and those around them, a psychiatric professional can provide treatment to manage and alleviate the symptoms.

What are the Causes of Bipolar Psychosis?

Although the exact causes of bipolar psychosis are unknown, it is thought that a number of distinct conditions can raise the risk. These consist of:

Genetics: Research suggests that some mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, may be genetically linked. A person may have an increased risk of getting schizophrenia if they have bipolar disorder.

Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or after childbirth, may also affect psychosis.

Use of marijuana: According to some studies, bipolar illness sufferers who use marijuana run a higher risk of developing psychotic symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Psychosis?

Even though it’s frequently referred to as a “psychotic break,” a psychotic episode typically unfolds gradually over time.

Early Symptoms of Psychosis

Among the early indicators of psychosis are:

Worrying constantly about your work or grades
Feelings that are excessively powerful, unsuitable, or nonexistent
Non-compliance with personal hygiene
Having unfounded suspicions about other people
Having trouble focusing or thinking clearly
Withdrawal from family and friends

Early signs of psychosis should not be disregarded because receiving treatment for it sooner rather than later might speed up and ease the recovery process. Nevertheless, the ones who notice these symptoms the most frequently are those who are close to the individual who is experiencing psychosis.

Delusions

Delusions are untrue ideas that a person mistakenly thinks are true. Delusions are defined by events that are either weird (something that is outside the scope of possible) or non-bizarre (something that is within the sphere of possibility). Previously known as a paranoid disorder. Being kidnapped by aliens or having a CIA tracking device within your skull are two examples of odd delusions. Contrarily, non-bizarre illusions frequently present with allegations of being poisoned, stalked, or loved from a distance. Delusions, unlike hallucinations, may appear quite normal in social settings.

Usually, psychotic delusions revolve around one or more of the following themes:

Erotomania is the conviction that a significant other is in your love
The trait of grandiosity is an exaggerated perception of one’s own importance.
Usually brought on by a loved one’s adultery, jealousy
Persecution is when you think someone is trying to harm you.
Somatic delusions, which cause you to think you’re sick or have a physical flaw

Hallucinations

Unreal physical sensations are a hallmark of hallucinations. When it comes to bipolar disorder, acute manic episodes, and severe sleep deprivation (the latter of which can also produce hallucinations in persons who do not have a bipolar illness) may be the culprits behind hallucinations.

In addition to perceptions, hallucinations can also involve genuine sensations involving one or more of the five senses. They can be grouped into:

Hearing voices that aren’t there is one example of an auditory hallucination.
Olfactory hallucinations that involve odors
Tactile hallucinations, such as the sensation of being covered in bugs
Visions of flavors
Imaginal delusions

How to Diagnose Bipolar Psychosis?

The symptoms you have been exhibiting will be discussed with a doctor in order to determine whether you have bipolar disorder with psychosis. They’ll want to know more about your medical history, any recent stressors you may have had, any medications you may be on, and your drug and alcohol use. Your physician will rule out additional causes because psychosis can sometimes be a symptom of other illnesses. They might do a physical examination, request laboratory testing, and carry out psychological evaluations to achieve this.

What is the Treatment of Bipolar Psychosis?

Typical bipolar psychosis treatment includes:

Medication: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants are frequently used to treat bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy: Therapy for individuals, groups, or families can assist manage the condition’s symptoms.

Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, however, treatment can help people manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Following your treatment plan can dramatically lower your chance of future psychosis or severe mood episodes while also improving your symptoms.

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