Psychosis is a term used to describe symptoms such as:
- Hallucinations: hearing voices that other people don’t hear or seeing things that other people don’t see
- Delusions: a fixed belief not based in reality
- Paranoia: intense, anxious, or fearful feelings
These symptoms are very responsive to early treatment and intervention. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), most individuals with clinical high risk for psychosis or first episode psychosis experience warning signs of illness during adolescence and early adulthood. Failing to recognize and provide early treatment for persons experiencing psychosis often leads to individuals living with a lifetime of disability. Through the promise of early intervention for psychosis treatments, individuals with psychosis are much more able to live healthy and productive lives—at school, at work, and at home.
Do any of these sound familiar to you or someone you care about?
- Thinking others can read your mind
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Suspicious or afraid of others
- Thoughts or beliefs that seem strange
- Belief that media sends hidden messages to you
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Hearing things that others don’t hear
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
These could be signs of early psychosis which include clinical high risk for psychosis and first episode psychosis. Psychosis can have a huge effect on a person and their family. These effects may include sadness, family conflict, and disruption in social functioning. Research has shown that comprehensive, coordinated care can improve the results of a person experiencing early psychosis.
Services
Services include screening, assessment, therapy, medication management, family education, case management, occupational therapy, and recovery support (e.g., supported employment/education and peer support services).
Results
Results may be improved symptoms; age-appropriate functioning, and; delaying or preventing the onset of psychosis.
We are committed to reduce the effect of early psychosis through comprehensive, individualized services rooted in family-guided, youth-driven approaches to help each individual and their family build resiliency, reduce symptoms and improve life functioning.
