Psychosis: delusions and hallucinations

What gives you a psychosis?

“I cannot give an unequivocal answer to the question of what causes a psychosis. Hereditary factors play a role, but also stress and drug use. Psychosis can be related to a mental illness. The most well-known psychological condition in which psychoses occur is schizophrenia, but psychosis can also occur in people who have bipolar disorder (manic depression), or after a major, stressful event in someone’s life.

Psychosis occurs in all cultures and in all walks of life. The psychosis is of all times; it is not a new condition or welfare problem. A psychosis can last for days, but also weeks or months.”

I notice that my previously quiet neighbor is changing lately. He talks to himself, thinks he is being chased and is suddenly suspicious. What is going on?

“If you’re worried, it’s best to ask him what’s going on. His strange behavior doesn’t have to have a psychological cause. He may be experiencing a lot of stress, he has large debts or has lost a loved one.

Before you start talking to him, it makes sense to prepare the checklist beforehand this page by reading. If your neighbor does have psychosis, chances are he doesn’t want to discuss it with you. Psychotic people are usually scared and suspicious. It is futile and even unwise to try to convince him that he is psychotic. Advise him to see a doctor or people who know him well, such as family and close friends. Offer to go with him, if you have a good relationship with your neighbor.”

My mother has had two psychoses. Lately she’s been behaving the same way again so I suspect psychosis is coming again. Does she have schizophrenia?

“Only a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience can diagnose schizophrenia set. This professional can only be sure of the matter after several conversations with the person in question and with relatives or close friends, and after observing the behavior of the person concerned. Of course, repeated psychoses can be an indication of schizophrenia, but this symptom alone does not provide a sufficient basis for the diagnosis. People with schizophrenia also have long periods in which they come to nothing. They are listless and develop few initiatives. The risk of alcohol and drug abuse is high.

Whether your mother has schizophrenia or not, it is always important to find out what causes psychosis. Usually stress the cause, stress as a result of large or small issues. It is good to identify and remove possible sources of stress together with your mother.”

I just gave birth. Pregnancy and delivery went well, but I feel more and more that people are against me and that they want to hurt me and my son. Voices say something bad is going to happen. What now?

“Giving birth is a violent event that evokes all kinds of emotions. It may well be that the feelings you mention mean that you are processing the pain and the intensity of these emotions. You have an adjustment disorder if the fear and the gloom lasts longer and makes it difficult for you to reconnect with people or go back to work.

Sometimes young mothers get a postpartum psychosis (also known as postpartum psychosis). You say you hear voices and you notice people turning against you and your son. These may be indications of such a psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is usually treatable. Contact your doctor and tell what is bothering you. It is important to do something about a psychosis as soon as possible because the sooner it is treated, the greater the chance of a full recovery.”

What is it like to live with someone who has gone through multiple psychoses?

“It is sometimes easy and sometimes difficult, but always intense. People who suffer from schizophrenia and are in a relationship do not go through their psychoses alone. Their partners can become ‘delusional’, causing them to deal with aggression and extreme suspicion from the one with schizophrenia. Even if this doesn’t happen, it’s tough to see the one you love change so completely. It is important for partners of people with schizophrenia to take good care of themselves, to set boundaries and to seek help in time.”

Jean-Pierre van de Ven is a psychologist at the Psychiatric Health Fund and at Kor Relatie. Kor Relatie is a national helpline for people with psychological and psychosocial problems. Think for example of relationship problems, parenting problems and problems at work or at school.

Kor Relatie provides free advice and help to anyone who asks. This can be done anonymously, both by telephone and via email or chat. Psychologists and social workers listen, explain the problem, advise and, if necessary, refer you to a reliable specialist care provider. On working days you can reach us on number (0900) 1450 (€ 0.15 p/m, 9am-6pm).