Adolescence is a period of immense change, growth, and exploration. It’s a time when teenagers navigate complex emotions, form their identities, and experience the world in new ways. However, some changes can signal something more serious than typical teenage development. One such concern is psychosis, a mental health condition that can significantly impact a young person’s life. Understanding the signs of psychosis in teenagers is crucial for early intervention and support.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what psychosis is, the early symptoms to watch for, specific signs in your teen, treatment options, and how Blume Behavioral Health can help.
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition where individuals have difficulty distinguishing between reality and what is not, often leading to hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t real) and delusions (false beliefs, like thinking you have special powers). Several factors, including mental health disorders like schizophrenia, substance abuse, brain injuries, or teen trauma can cause it. Symptoms can also involve disorganized thinking and abnormal behavior, making it hard for individuals to function in everyday life.
In teens, psychosis may manifest similarly but can be influenced by their developing brains. Factors such as genetic predisposition, substance abuse, trauma, or mental health disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can trigger psychosis. Teenagers might experience social withdrawal, mood swings, paranoia, and difficulties at school. Early intervention is crucial, as treatment often involves antipsychotic medications, therapy, and support from family and healthcare professionals to improve outcomes and manage symptoms.
What is a Prodromal Phase?
Before a full-blown psychotic episode, many individuals experience a period known as the prodromal phase. This phase can last anywhere from weeks to years and involves subtle changes in behavior, thoughts, and perceptions. While these symptoms can be mistaken for typical teenage behavior, they require attention when they persist or worsen.
Common prodromal symptoms include
- Changes in Mood: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or emotional flatness. A noticeable shift in your teen’s usual mood patterns can be a red flag.
- Withdrawal from Social Activities: A teen who was previously social might start isolating themselves from friends and family. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Decline in School Performance: A drop in grades, difficulty concentrating, or increased absences can be a sign that something is amiss.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Significant changes in sleeping habits, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, can be an indicator.
- Odd or Unusual Thoughts: Teens may express strange or unusual beliefs that are not in line with reality. They might become preoccupied with certain ideas or develop a strong interest in the occult or conspiracy theories.
- Difficulty with Concentration and Memory: Problems with focus, short-term memory, and decision-making can emerge during the prodromal phase.
- Increased Sensitivity to Stimuli: Teens might become overly sensitive to noises, lights, or other sensory input. They may feel overwhelmed in situations that were previously comfortable.
- Suspiciousness or Paranoia: A growing sense of distrust or paranoia, even towards close friends and family, can be a concerning sign.
- Changes in Personal Hygiene: A noticeable decline in personal hygiene or appearance can also be a subtle indicator.
What Symptoms Should I Look for in My Teen?
It’s essential to differentiate between normal teenage behavior and potential signs of psychosis. While some teenage behaviors might mimic certain prodromal symptoms, the key difference lies in the intensity, duration, and combination of these symptoms. Here are some symptoms you should watch for:
Hallucinations
These involve perceiving things that aren’t present and can affect any of the senses. Auditory hallucinations, like hearing voices that aren’t there, are the most common, but hallucinations can also be visual (seeing things), olfactory (smelling things), gustatory (tasting things), or tactile (feeling sensations that don’t exist). These experiences can be deeply distressing and are often a key indicator of psychosis.
Delusions
These are false beliefs that persist despite clear evidence that they are untrue. Delusions can take various forms, such as grandiose delusions (believing they have extraordinary abilities or powers), persecutory delusions (feeling that others are plotting against them), or referential delusions (believing that unrelated events, such as TV shows or conversations, are specifically about them). These distorted beliefs can be confusing and alienating for the individual.
Disorganized Thinking
Affected individuals may struggle with organizing their thoughts. This might show up as incoherent speech, where thoughts are fragmented or jumbled, or difficulty staying on topic during conversations. Their speech may become rambling or illogical, making it hard for others to follow their reasoning or understand their point of view.
Disorganized Behavior
This includes behaviors that are out of the ordinary or inappropriate for the situation. It may include dressing in odd or mismatched clothing, acting agitated or withdrawn without explanation, or engaging in repetitive movements (e.g., pacing or hand-wringing). These behaviors can be confusing or alarming to others around them.
Negative Symptoms
These refer to a decrease in normal functions or emotional responses, and they are often less noticeable than positive symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. They can include flat affect (reduced facial expression or emotional tone), avolition (lack of motivation to initiate or complete tasks), alogia (poverty of speech, where speech becomes minimal or lacks content), and anhedonia (an inability to experience pleasure or interest in previously enjoyable activities). These symptoms can be subtle but are critical to recognize as they impact daily functioning.
Catatonia
A condition where the person becomes physically immobile or unresponsive. This may appear as a frozen state, where the person maintains a rigid posture or lacks movement altogether. On the other hand, catatonia can also involve repetitive or bizarre movements, unusual postures, or excessive motor activity that seems disconnected from reality. It may be alarming to witness, as the individual may appear detached or unresponsive to their surroundings.
What is the First Step If You Feel Your Teen is at Risk?
If you believe your teen is at risk, the first and most important step is to ensure their immediate safety and well-being. Once you’ve assessed the situation, it’s crucial to approach your teen in a calm and supportive manner, creating an open space for honest conversation. Let them know you’re there for them and are ready to listen without judgment. Should you notice signs of psychosis in your teenager, the most critical action to take is to seek professional evaluation. Whether the concern is related to mental health, substance abuse, or risky behavior, a trained mental health professional can offer an objective assessment and help identify any underlying issues that may need attention.
Seeking an evaluation from a professional should be a priority, as early intervention can make a significant difference in your teen’s well-being. Mental health professionals can provide expert guidance on how to proceed and offer the necessary tools and strategies for both you and your teen. This evaluation will not only help you understand the severity of the situation but also ensure that your teen receives the appropriate care and support moving forward. A parental support program can offer valuable resources and assistance, helping you navigate the challenges of supporting your teen through this time. It’s important to remember that getting help as soon as possible can lead to a better outcome in the long run.
How is Early Psychosis in Teens Treated?
Early intervention is crucial for treating psychosis in teens. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Treatment typically involves a combination of:
Medication
Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment for psychosis, helping to reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These medications can take time to adjust to, and the right one may vary for each individual. Once the right medication is found, it can significantly improve a teen’s ability to manage their symptoms and function in daily life.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in helping teens identify and challenge negative thoughts, which can reduce the intensity of delusions and paranoia. It also teaches coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Family therapy offers support and education to family members, allowing them to better understand and help their teen through the challenges of psychosis.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers teens a safe space to connect with others facing similar challenges. Led by a trained therapist, it provides an opportunity for sharing experiences, discussing coping strategies, and learning from peers. Group therapy can help reduce feelings of isolation, build a sense of community, and offer emotional support, empowering teens to manage their struggles in a collaborative environment.
Residential Treatment
In severe cases, residential treatment may be necessary to provide a safe and structured environment for teens during a psychotic episode. It offers intensive care, including medication adjustments and therapy, to stabilize the teen’s condition. A residential setting allows mental health professionals to monitor the teen closely and provide ongoing support to ensure their well-being during this critical time.
Blume Behavioral Health: A Path to Recovery
Blume Behavioral Health understands the complexities of signs of psychosis in teenagers and offers comprehensive and compassionate care. We accept individuals experiencing psychosis, depending on the severity of their symptoms. Our team of experienced mental health professionals provides individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each teen. We believe in a holistic approach to treatment, combining medication management, therapy, and support services to help teens achieve their full potential.
If you’re concerned that your teen may be showing signs of psychosis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Early intervention is crucial in improving outcomes for young people facing this challenging condition. We are here to guide you and your teen on the path to recovery, so don’t wait—seeking help is the first step toward a brighter future.
Daniel Duel MD is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in General Adult Psychiatry with a focus on Addiction/Substance Use Disorders. As the Medical Director of an outpatient addiction clinic, he oversees a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive care. He has extensive experience treating complex mood, psychosis, OCD, anxiety, and geriatric disorders. Dr. Duel is a UCLA graduate, trained in TMS and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
