When we talk about psychosis, we usually imagine someone “disconnected from reality”. But from behavioral psychology we understand that people who go through a psychotic episode have not “lost their mind” as is sometimes said, but are responding to very intense stimuli – such as voices, images or thoughts – that are completely real to them.
These experiences do not appear by chance. In reality, they are the result of their personal history and the environment in which they live. Psychosis is not something that simply “happens,” but it is a way that the mind and body find to adapt, sometimes in very painful ways, to what surrounds them.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a state in which a person may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. It is common for you to experience hallucinations (for example, hearing voices that no one else hears) or delusions (strongly believed ideas that do not conform to reality).
From a behaviorist approach, these experiences are not simple “mental failures”, but are forms of behavior that have been learned and that are maintained over time because, in one way or another, they have served the person to manage emotions, situations or relationships.
The environment weighs heavily here: if every time someone suffers an outbreak they receive attention or manage to avoid a situation that distresses them, it is possible that this behavior will be repeated in the future. Therefore, understanding the context and consequences of these behaviors is essential to be able to help.
How does a psychotic person act?
A person going through a psychotic episode does not act strangely “just because,” but responds to what they are feeling or thinking at the time. To her, those voices or ideas are as real as if you or I were hearing or seeing them.
For example: if a person hears a voice that insults them or gives them orders, their reaction – shouting, locking themselves up or even defending themselves – is completely logical if we understand that, from their experience, they are responding to a real threat.
The therapeutic work, therefore, is not about “correcting” your thoughts, but about helping you reduce the impact they have on your life and giving you tools so that you can respond differently when they appear.
What are the 10 types of psychosis?
Although behavioral psychology does not focus so much on labels, it is useful to know how psychoses are usually classified from a more medical approach. Here are some of the most common types:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Delusional disorder
- Brief psychotic disorder
- Schizophreniform disorder
- Substance Use Psychosis
- Medical Illness Psychosis
- Bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms
- Depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms
- Brief reactive psychosis (due to acute stress)
What is really important is not so much the name of the diagnosis, but to understand in each person what situations and reactions are maintaining that discomfort.
How to help a person with a psychotic break?
When someone suffers a psychotic break, their behavior is controlled by those thoughts or voices that generate great discomfort. At this point, it is essential to:
- Stay calm and do not try to “convince” the person that what they are experiencing is not real.
- Reduce stress around by creating a calm and safe environment.
- Notice what may be reinforcing that behavior (for example, if someone only calms down when they receive attention).
- To make it easier for the person to learn new ways of managing their emotions once the outbreak is over.
- In some cases, medication can be a tool that helps the person regain emotional stability.
Is there a treatment to cure psychosis?
Psychosis is not a disease that is “cured” like the flu, but a set of experiences that can be understood, managed and transformed. Treatment is based on teaching the person to identify their symptoms, manage their emotions, and respond differently when thoughts or voices appear.
The behaviorist approach proposes to work on:
- Relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
- Training in social and communication skills.
- Changes in the family and social environment to reduce situations that may increase discomfort.
- Create routines and activities that help regain a sense of control over life.
With the right support, many people with psychosis manage to regain quality of life and build stable and meaningful relationships.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing a similar situation and needs professional guidance, you can schedule a free appointment at the Institute of Psychology-Sexology Mallorca team.
Quico Martinez Milà
General Health Psychologist