Some people only experience a few episodes of psychosis, or a brief episode that lasts for a few days or weeks. Others will experience symptoms more frequently, in association with a longer-term illness such as schizophrenia. Words and ideas lose their meaning or take on meanings that make no sense. These disturbances in thinking can affect a person's ability to concentrate, remember things and make plans.
Confused thinking can continue, even after the psychotic episode has ended. You may be able to tell that someone is having an episode of psychosis through changes in their speech.
These may include:. Delusions are false beliefs that are not shared by others. Delusions can take various forms, including:. A hallucination is when someone hears, sees, smells or tastes something that isn't there. A common form of hallucination is to hear voices that aren't there.
Hallucinations can lead to agitation, distress, frustration and even hostility. Psychosis can lead to changes in emotions. How a person feels can change for no obvious reason. There are a number of mental illnesses where psychotic symptoms can be present. Examples include:. The causes of psychosis are not fully understood. It is likely that psychosis is caused by a number of factors including:. Conditions that may be influenced by chemical imbalances in the brain might be treated with medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Antidepressants and other medications that affect brain chemistry are often prescribed to treat the conditions associated with a chemical imbalance. While these medications do help some people, they are not a cure-all. Mental health disorders have multifaceted causes. While two people may share similar symptoms, they may have different pathologies and respond differently to treatment options. Some medications prescribed to influence neurotransmitter function include:.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs. SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Examples include:. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs. SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin. Tricyclic antidepressants TCAs. TCAs block the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as having several other impacts on neurotransmitters.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. MAOIs inhibit the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, making more neurotransmitters available for use in mood regulation. Atypical antidepressants. Antipsychotics are used to manage psychosis a loss of contact with reality. Psychotherapy treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT can be effective for many mental health conditions.
These therapies may affect the function of neurotransmitters by changing neural pathways and associations. For some people, exercise is helpful in symptom relief for depression and anxiety, in part by stimulating chemicals in the brain that make your body and in turn your mind feel better. Non-pharmaceutical treatments may be enough on their own to help some people with depression or anxiety, but are often used in combination with medication.
A chemical imbalance can happen anywhere in the body, but usually refers to the association between neurotransmitter function and mental health. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, or notice changes in your mood or mental functioning, see your healthcare professional to discuss a possible diagnosis and make a treatment plan.
There is no reliable test for a chemical imbalance in the brain. Symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may indicate some problems with the way the brain—including the chemicals in the brain—is functioning. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition associated with chemical imbalance, see your healthcare professional to explore a diagnosis and treatment options.
A disruption in their proper functioning can affect mood and other bodily processes. Brain chemistry can be influenced by some medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
These have been shown to help improve the symptoms of mental health conditions associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. Experts do not know exactly how these medications work to create this effect, but it is believed to involve more than simply replenishing brain chemicals.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. National Cancer Institute. Chemical imbalance. Cleveland Clinic. Bogan's words cut to the heart of what many people in whom a mental illness is diagnosed are trying to accomplish by thinking, feeling, and acting as they do. All behavior has meaning, and pathologic behavior has a different meaning, 14 which serves a purpose.
Jean-Paul Sartre, R. Dr Muller formerly evaluated psychiatric patients in the emergency room at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
The author has no conflicts of interest to report regarding the subject of this article. Gerber DJ, Tonegawa S. Psychotomimetic effects of drugs-a common pathway to schizophrenia? N Engl J Med. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Milton J. Paradise Lost. Book I, verse 1, lines Heidegger M.
Being and Time. Macquarrie J, Robinson E, trans. Garety PA. Making sense of delusions. Perry J. Treating first-break psychosis in a non-hospital environment. Jung CG. Laing RD. Baltimore: Penguin Books; The Politics of Experience. New York: Pantheon Books; Cognitive neuropsychiatric models of persecutory delusions. Am J Psychiatry. Breggin PR. Cognitive behavior therapy for persistent auditory hallucinations: from theory to therapy. Behav Therapy. Different psychotropics have varying side effects.
People can discuss the benefits and risks of these medications with their doctor. However, people may wish to consider speaking with a doctor or trained mental health professional if they experience emotional, cognitive, or physical symptoms every day for more than 2 weeks.
Although chemical imbalances in the brain may not directly cause mental health disorders, medications that influence the concentration of neurotransmitters can sometimes provide symptom relief. People who experience signs and symptoms of a mental health problem for more than 2 weeks may wish to speak to a doctor. Depression with psychosis, or psychotic depression, happens when someone with major depression also experiences psychosis. This is a serious mental….
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