The field of psychology and the mind is full of concepts that are often confused or mixed up. Two terms that frequently generate confusion are schizophrenia y psychosis. Although they have certain similarities, they also have fundamental differences that distinguish them. These differences are essential to understanding both phenomena, both from the point of view of patients and mental health professionals.
In this article, we will delve into the concepts of psychosis and schizophrenia, explore their connections, causes and manifestations, and discuss the key differences between the two. This knowledge is not only useful for clarifying doubts, but also for helping those affected and their loved ones better understand these conditions and their implications.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is not a disease in itself, but a mental state characterized by loss of contact with reality. People who experience psychosis may present hallucinations, delusions y disorganized thoughtsThese symptoms significantly affect your ability to interpret events and circumstances rationally.
The causes of psychosis are varied and may include:
- Medical factors: Some diseases, such as brain infections or tumors, are associated with the appearance of psychotic symptoms.
- Substance use: Drugs such as cannabis, LSD or cocaine can trigger psychotic episodes.
- Traumatic events: Extreme stress situations or traumatic experiences can also trigger it.
- Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing psychotic disorders.
Among the main clinical manifestations of psychosis are:
- Hallucinations: Sensory perceptions that are not based on real stimuli, such as hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist.
- Delusions: False and irrational beliefs that persist even in the face of contrary evidence.
- Mental confusion: Disordered thoughts that make coherent communication and understanding difficult.
- Social isolation: People with psychosis often withdraw from their loved ones and daily activities.
Psychosis can occur as part of other mental disorders, such as paranoia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychotic depression. It can also manifest itself briefly, as in brief reactive psychosis, which is resolved in days or weeks.
What is schizophrenia?
La schizophrenia It is a chronic and serious mental illness that belongs to the group of psychotic disorders. It significantly affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. Its symptoms are varied and are grouped into three main categories:
- Positive symptoms: These include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These are behaviors that were not present before.
- Negative symptoms: Lack of motivation, limited emotional expression and social isolation. These characteristics reflect a decline in normal abilities.
- Cognitive symptoms: They manifest themselves in difficulties with memory, attention and executive functions.
A diagnosis of schizophrenia requires that symptoms be present for at least six months and significantly affect a person's daily life. According to the DSM-5, a reference manual in psychiatry, no longer distinguishes subtypes of schizophrenia, but it is recognized that the disease varies from patient to patient.
Treatment for schizophrenia includes:
- Antipsychotic medications: They help control psychotic symptoms.
- Psychological therapies: Such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which improves the patient's social skills and functionality.
- Social support: Social reintegration programs and family support are essential.
Key differences between schizophrenia and psychosis
It is important to understand that although schizophrenia and psychosis are related, they are not the same. Below are their key differences:
- Definición: Psychosis is a set of symptoms characterized by loss of contact with reality, while schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that includes psychotic symptoms.
- Duration: Psychosis can be temporary, while schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder.
- Causes: Psychosis can be caused by stress, substance abuse or medical problems. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, has a more pronounced genetic and neurobiological component.
- Treatment: While psychosis can be resolved with one-time treatment, schizophrenia requires a long-term therapeutic approach.
Furthermore, while other psychotic disorders may include occasional episodes of psychosis, in schizophrenia these episodes are usually recurrent and more complex, permanently affecting the patient's life.
Understanding these differences is essential to offering appropriate treatment and support to those affected. Schizophrenia is a challenging condition, but multidisciplinary support and timely treatment can make a big difference, significantly improving the quality of life of patients and their families.