Psychosis occurs when you lose touch with reality and have false beliefs about your identity or events that are happening. You might also have hallucinations and see and hear things that aren’t there.
If you have psychosis, you might have:
Psychosis can be found in various disorders, such as bipolar disorder, severe depression, and schizophrenia.
Many researchers believe dopamine plays an important part in psychosis. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and one of many brain chemicals used to transmit information between brain cells. Dopamine is associated with how you feel and whether something is important, interesting, or significant to you.
Disruption to these important functions in your brain might explain psychotic symptoms. Researchers point to evidence from several sources, including effective brain scans and the fact that medications designed to reduce the effects of dopamine in the brain can also reduce psychotic symptoms.
Psychosis is diagnosed with a psychiatric evaluation, and if needed, testing. Dr. Buffington helps you decide the best way to help manage your symptoms of psychosis so you can feel more in control of your life.
Psychosis can be treated in a number of ways. Dr. Buffington might suggest:
Psychosis can prevent many people from functioning normally. In severe cases, self-harm can occur. Fortunately, many people with psychosis can live a happy, meaningful life. Family intervention, self-help groups, and spending time doing the things you love are all helpful.
Call Buffington Family Medicine to treat your psychosis today.
