Mesa, Arizona’s Preferred Psychosis Disorder Hospital

Psychosis is not an official mental health disorder. However, it is a symptom that often accompanies mental health disorders like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. The signs and symptoms of psychosis can vary from person to person, but they generally involve someone having a noticeable detachment from reality.  

Signs and symptoms of psychosis can include: 

• Hallucinations: Someone who is struggling with psychosis might see, hear, feel, taste, or smell things that are not there. Hearing voices is the most common hallucination with psychosis. 
• Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that are not based in reality. Delusional thoughts are often bizarre and uncharacteristic of the person who is experiencing them. For example, someone might believe that they are being persecuted, are famous, have extraordinary powers, or are being controlled by external forces. 
• Disorganized thinking: Someone who has psychosis might have difficulty organizing their thoughts, speak in a way that doesn’t make sense, jump from topic to topic, or respond to questions with unrelated answers. 
• Abnormal physical movements: This might include catatonia, which is a lack of movement and speech. Someone who struggles with psychosis might also have an inappropriate posture. 
• Unpredictable or uncharacteristic behaviors: Someone who suffers from psychosis might have sudden fits of rage, be agitated, have childlike silliness, resist following instructions, or act unlike themselves. 
• Depression symptoms: If someone has psychosis, they might be unable to function normally and display symptoms of depression. They might neglect personal hygiene, withdraw from social situations, lose interest in everyday activities, and feel unable to experience pleasure. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), early or first-episode psychosis (FEP) refers to when a person starts showing signs that they are beginning to lose touch with reality. 

This most commonly happens in late adolescence or early adulthood and is often a precursor to a full-blown psychotic episode. FEP onset is typically gradual and is characterized by subtle shifts in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A person who has FEP might have disorganized thinking and experience changes in emotions. Often, the person’s loved ones are the first to notice signs of FEP. 

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms or displaying any of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that you have psychosis. These symptoms can be related to other mental health conditions, and a medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment from a qualified professional can help determine if acute hospitalization may be right for you. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), many people struggle with psychosis symptoms for more than a year before getting professional help. Furthermore, NAMI reports that approximately 100,000 young people experience psychosis each year, and 3% of people in the U.S. will have an episode of psychosis at some point in their lives. 

There is significant research that supports coordinated care, which is treatment delivered by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Patients experience more favorable outcomes if they are supported by a team of specialists who are committed to helping them learn to manage their symptoms and return to their daily routines. 

The development of psychosis is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Known causes of and risk factors for psychosis include: 

• Genetics: If someone has a close relative who has a mental health disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, they have an increased risk for developing psychosis. 
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals may contribute to the development of psychosis. The risk for developing psychosis is higher during adolescence, in part due to increased hormones present during puberty, which can affect brain chemistry. 
• Substance use: If a person uses a substance like alcohol, methamphetamines, cannabis, or prescription drugs, their risk for developing psychosis increases significantly. 
• Psychological factors: Someone can develop psychosis if they experience severe stress or the effects of trauma, especially if they already have other risk factors. 
• Existing mental health disorders: Psychosis can be a symptom of mental health disorders like schizoaffective disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. 
• Physical illnesses: Certain medical conditions, like brain tumors, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some autoimmune disorders, can cause someone to experience symptoms of psychosis. 

It’s important to note that someone having one or more risk factors does not mean that they will develop psychosis. Many people who have several risk factors never experience psychosis, and others who have no apparent risk factors do. At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, help is available for people who are struggling with psychosis. 

Untreated psychosis can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental and physical health, relationships, and overall functioning.  

Effects may include: 

• Worsening psychosis symptoms 
• Cognitive impairment 
• Social withdrawal 
• Difficulties with work and education 
• Increased risk for developing physical health problems 
• Substance use 
• Legal and financial issues 
• Increased risk for self-harm and suicide 

Without treatment, symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking can intensify and cause someone to feel even more detached from reality. Psychosis can impair memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities, which can impact employment, relationships, and educational success. People who have psychosis often withdraw from social interactions, which can lead to them feeling lonely and depressed. 

Fortunately, effective treatment is available. You do not have to continue to suffer. Give us a call today to see if our programming can help you make strides toward healing. 

Successful psychosis treatment often requires the use of medications, talk therapy, and the support of a multidisciplinary treatment team. At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we provide each patient with an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs. We believe that early intervention and personalized treatment are crucial for successful psychosis treatment outcomes.  

A person’s psychosis treatment plan at our inpatient hospital may include the following elements: 

• Basic medical care 
• Medication management services 
• 24/7 nursing supervision 
• Detoxification services 
• Daily group therapies 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• 12-Step programming 

The longer psychosis remains untreated, the more challenging it may become to manage it. Early intervention is associated with faster healing, less disruption to routines, and a generally better prognosis. By participating in our psychosis treatment program, adolescents, adults, and older adults can make strides toward healing and improved overall well-being. 

Suffering from psychosis can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, and it is often accompanied by intense emotions like fear and confusion. Psychosis can also hinder someone’s ability to achieve their goals and live a productive life. However, by receiving professional help at a psychosis treatment center, they can learn to manage their symptoms and overcome these challenges. 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we can help people who have psychosis learn to manage their symptoms and rediscover healthier, happier lives. Patients can receive tailored care from compassionate experts and learn tools for reducing future distress. At our inpatient psychosis treatment center near Phoenix, we offer a safe environment where patients can stabilize and receive personalized care. 

Your psychosis healing journey can begin with a simple phone call. Our knowledgeable admissions coordinators are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call. During this call, they will gather information about your situation, verify your insurance, and schedule you for an in-person assessment at our facility in Mesa. You can also walk into our facility anytime to receive an assessment. This assessment is a crucial step in helping us determine if our treatment center is the best fit for your needs. 

From the moment you are admitted to our psychosis treatment center, we will start planning for your posttreatment needs by creating a detailed aftercare plan that is designed to provide guidance as you progress on your healing journey. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital.