Psychosis: Myth vs Fact
Below you will find some common misconceptions of psychosis and the implicit bias that often goes unnoticed when it comes to those who are in active psychosis.
Click through the myths below to learn more about the facts about psychosis and how you can get informed
FACT: There is a distinct difference between psychosis and psychopathy
Psychosis is a disconnect from reality that is normally temporary and is often due to a mental health condition or substance use. Psychopathy us a ter used to describe a mental health condition characterized by manipulation or abuse that may harm others either emotionally or physically to obtain personal desires.
FACT: Those with psychotic symptoms are not likely to deliberately harm others
While someone with psychosis will not be more likely to become aggressive or violent towards others, psychosis can create a small increase in the likelihood of danger to the person experiencing it. Psychosis only causes a change in someone’s perception — not in their personality.
FACT: Psychosis is not “one size fits all”
Statistics show that about 3 in 100 people, or 3%, will experience a psychotic episode in their lives. Psychosis is not restricted to certain genders, ages, diseases or cultures. While the prevalence of psychosis may be higher for young adults or adolescents, it can affect anyone.
FACT: Symptoms of psychosis are almost never contagious
Psychosis itself is never contagious. Psychosis causes typically include an underlying mental health condition, use of substances or exposure to extreme emotional or physical stress. None of these causes can be transferred from one person to another.
FACT: There are many people living with psychosis who continue to lead healthy and productive lives
Many people with psychosis only have one or two short-term episodes and either do not experience psychosis again or are able to work with their doctor to find a long-term treatment that helps prevent future episodes. Given that psychosis typically has a more gradual onset, it will also be possible for people who are beginning to experience a psychotic episode to seek medical help within the first 3 years
FACT: There are several ways you can help someone with psychosis
You do not need to be a medical expert or a psychiatrist to assist a loved one who is struggling with psychosis. Helping someone who has psychosis can be done in two main ways: support the person who is experiencing psychosis and encourage the person experiencing psychosis to seek professional treatment
FACT: There are several successful ways to treat psychosis
Psychosis is a condition that can be treated by modern medicine. Treatment is typically quite effective, even for more severe cases of psychosis. Treatment for psychosis may involve either medications or therapy, typically consisting of a combination of both.