Psychosis is a debilitating mental illness that can cause people to lose touch with reality. Early warning signs of psychosis can be difficult to detect, as they often develop gradually and may be attributed to other causes, such as stress or sleep deprivation. However, there are some red flags that may indicate that someone is at risk of developing psychosis. These include:
-Hearing voices or seeing things that others can not see
-Problems with concentration and memory
-Suspiciousness or paranoia
-Withdrawal from friends and activities
-Unusual behavior or thinking patterns.
A worrisome drop in grades or job performance
A worrisome drop in grades or job performance may be one of the early warning signs of psychosis. Other early warning signs may include a change in sleep habits, a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, social withdrawal, and unusual thinking or behavior. If you are concerned about someone you know who is exhibiting these signs, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a big difference in the long-term outcome for people with psychosis.
Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
Early warning signs of psychosis can include trouble thinking clearly or concentrating. This may manifest as difficulty following conversations, completing tasks, or keeping track of thoughts. A person may also have trouble remember things or feel like their thoughts are “jumbled”. These cognitive changes can be accompanied by changes in mood, energy level, and motivation. A person may become more irritable, anxious, or depressed and have less interest in activities they once enjoyed. As psychosis begins to take hold, a person may start to withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves from others.
Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others
Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others is often one of the first warning signs of psychosis. If someone you know begins to act strangely around others, or becomes overly paranoid, it could be a sign that they are starting to experience psychosis. Other early warning signs include withdrawing from social activities, isolation, unusual thinking or speech patterns, and changes in sleep habits. If you notice any of these changes in someone you know, it’s important to reach out and offer support. Early intervention can make a big difference in the course of psychosis, so don’t hesitate to get help if you’re worried about someone you know.
A decline in self-care or personal hygiene
A decline in self-care or personal hygiene can be an early warning sign of psychosis. If you notice that someone you know is no longer taking care of themselves or their appearance, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Psychosis can cause people to lose touch with reality and may make it difficult for them to take care of themselves. If you are concerned about someone, it is important to talk to them and see if they are willing to seek help from a mental health professional.
Spending a lot more time alone than usual
If you notice that someone you know is suddenly spending a lot more time alone than they used to, it could be an early warning sign of psychosis. Other early warning signs of psychosis include changes in sleep patterns, withdrawing from friends and activities, and exhibiting unusual or bizarre behavior. If you see any of these changes in someone you know, it’s important to talk to them about it and get them help if necessary.