What is Psychosis?
Experiencing psychosis, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may include hearing or seeing things that may not be present.
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that results in hallucinations and delusions where many individuals have trouble interpreting reality. Schizophrenia requires life-long treatment, however, most symptoms will most likely decrease with suitable treatment.
Schizoaffective disorder is a rare disorder that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (ex. delusions or hallucinations) and mood disorder (ex. depression).
There can be several factors that contribute to the onset of schizophrenia such as environmental (ex. stress), psychological and genetic factors. This disorder is most often found in young men and women and uncommonly found in children as well as older adults.
Common symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- delusions (false beliefs);
- confusion;
- hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that are not present);
- inability to express emotion;
- unusual motor behaviour;
- neglecting personal hygiene;
- being forgetful;
- and/or insomnia.
The 2 major types of schizoaffective disorders include bipolar and depressive types. The bipolar type includes manic episodes while the depressive type includes depressive episodes.
Depressive episodes are characterized by:
- low energy;
- loss of interest in once enjoyed activities;
- change in appetite;
- and/or feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
Schizoaffective disorder can cause individuals to have trouble with:
- social situations;
- difficulty keeping up at school or work;
- and/or struggles with everyday tasks.
Even though this is a rare disorder, the symptoms are present during adolescence or young adulthood. There are combinations of causes that contribute to this disorder, such as genetics (a family member was diagnosed), stress (stressful life events such as the death of a family member), and drug use (psychoactive drugs can worsen symptoms).
Schizotypal personality disorder is also commonly linked to schizophrenia. This disorder is characterized by difficulty forming relationships and having trouble in most social interactions. Individuals will tend to avoid social situations and have distorted perceptions of reality.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder where individuals will experience intense mood swings and mood episodes. Mood episodes are characterized by mania (unusually happy) and depression (an extremely sad mood).
Bipolar disorder interferes with an individual's energy, ability to function, sleep, and judgment. Mood episodes vary with the time they occur, for example, they may occur a few times a year or several times a month. While some exhibit emotional symptoms between episodes, others can also have a duration of a neutral mood. Similar to schizoaffective disorder, there are many causes such as genetic, environmental, and biological differences that lead to bipolar disorder. An example of a genetic factor is a close relative being diagnosed, while an environmental factor can be stress or substance abuse that can worsen mood episodes. Changes in brain structure and functioning can be a cause as well.
Bipolar disorder is often linked to other disorders as well such as anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance abuse disorders. Symptoms of this disorder can be managed with a treatment plan, which is usually treated by psychotherapy and medication.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include:
- episodes of mania or hypomania which can present as racing thoughts
- increased impulsivity
- greater risk of substance abuse
- restlessness
- irritability
- outbursts of anger
- difficulty sleeping and eating or feeling a decreased need for sleep and food
- depressive episodes can also occur
Approaches to Therapy Treating Psychosis & Bipolar Disorder
We treat psychosis and bipolar disorder using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and compassion focused therapy (CFT). We also encourage those experiencing symptoms of psychosis or bipolar disorder to be connected for support to a primary health care provider as medication often plays an important role in recovery in addition to psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented type of therapy that teaches the client how to first recognize and then change unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving. With the use of in-session practice and homework of skills to work on between sessions, this treatment is tailored to fit the client's goals and is a highly evidence-based collaborative psychotherapy.
Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is a type of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to be compassionate toward others as well as themselves. This type of therapy is primarily used for clients that struggle with self-criticism and self-contempt. CFT often includes exercises to practice mindfulness and appreciation. Sessions focus on examining the ways we talk to ourselves, where we might have first developed the particular tone and word choices used, and how we can make changes to how we speak to ourselves to increase self-compassion and appreciation.
It is the nature of the mind to be made up of subpersonalities or parts. Subpersonalities are aspects of our personality that interact internally, similar to the ways in which people interact. These sub-personalities can consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame. Underlying the parts is a person’s core or true Self. The Self can and should lead the individual's internal system.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps individuals achieve balance and harmony within their internal system and subpersonalities/parts.
Using IFS, the clinician will support individuals in developing their Self so it can be an effective leader in their internal system. When the Self is in the lead, the parts will provide input to the Self and help to elevate “wounds” so that individuals can find their natural balance. IFS is suitable for individuals, couples, and families, and it can effectively treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, trauma, substance use, physical health conditions, and general well-being.
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