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Psychosis: Symptoms
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Psychosis is ... a known side effect of the use, abuse, and withdrawal from certain drugs. So-called recreational drugs, such as hallucinogenics, PCP, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol, may cause a psychotic reaction during use or withdrawal. Certain prescription medications such as steroids, anticonvulsants, chemotherapeutic agents, and antiparkinsonian medications may also induce psychotic symptoms. Toxic substances such as carbon monoxide have also been reported to cause substance-induced psychotic disorder.
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The Center of Prevention & Evaluation (COPE) is a clinical research program for young people (ages 12-25) who are at elevated risk for psychosis, as compared with peers. Increased risk may be related to genetic risk (having an ill family member) and/or having symptoms, such as changes in perception, unusual thoughts, odd behavior, and social withdrawal. Other symptoms may include: loss of interest or lack of motivation, trouble thinking clearly, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, less concern with appearance or clothes, feeling suspicious of others, or feeling like things are unreal.
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Although the onset of symptoms can occur at anytime within the first three months after giving birth, women who have postpartum psychosis usually develop symptoms within the first two to three weeks after delivery. Postpartum psychosis symptoms usually appear quite suddenly; in 80% of cases, the psychosis occurs three to 14 days after a symptom-free period.
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Relieve behavioral symptoms associated with dementia, including depression, agitation and psychosis. Medications, called cholinesterase inhibitors, such as tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) or galantamine (Reminyl), enhance the effectiveness of acetylcholine (the chemical messenger found in the neurotransmitter system which coordinates memory and learning) by slowing its breakdown. Unfortunately, these medications only temporally improve the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. The effects of the drugs will fade as the deterioration of brain cells progresses. Additionally, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, beta blockers, benzodiazepines, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and drugs such as Desyrel, BuSpar, and Eldepryl, to control the agitation, psychosis, depressive features, anxious features, apathy and disturbances in sleep and appetite.
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Antipsychotic medication is usually the first line treatment for psychosis and can potentially minimize or eliminate the symptoms within a relatively rapid amount of time. Cognitive behavioral therapy is now recommended by many clinical standards organizations as an effective psychological treatment for psychosis.
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