How common is psychosis

Psychosis is not uncommon. In fact, around one in every 200 adult Australians will be diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar affective disorder in their lifetime.  Common psychosis symptoms include false irrational beliefs (delusions), experiencing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), disordered thinking and behaviour.

Impact of psychosis

If you have a diagnosis of a psychotic illness you are probably doing it tough.  Locally, an Australian survey of people experiencing psychosis found they were worse off financially, find it harder to get and keep a job, have more medical issues.

Contribution of childhood abuse and neglect

Not everyone who experiences psychosis symptoms, were exposed to childhood abuse and neglect, however a lot have.  For instance, surveys of Australians with a psychosis related diagnosis have found that three-quarters reported exposure to  any childhood trauma. Furthermore, over half reported emotional abuse and nearly a quarter reported childhood physical abuse and a quarter childhood reported sexual abuse. In addition, nearly a half reported emotional neglect and nearly a half reported physical neglect. Unsurprisingly, individuals who have experienced childhood abuse or neglect have an increased likelihood of psychical and mental health issues.

Alcohol and other drugs

Psychosis symptoms can be debilitating and exhausting. Consequently, it is not surprising that a National survey found around half of Australian’s who experience these symptoms form a dependence on alcohol or drugs at some stage in their lifetime.  Unfortunately, people who experience psychosis symptoms are more likely to be sensitive to the side-effects of drug use. This means relatively low level drug use can result in you ending up in hospital diagnosed with drug induced psychosis.

Psychological treatment for psychosis

Anti-psychotic medication is commonly prescribed to people experiencing psychosis symptoms. However, the reality is that medications do not work for everyone, many stop taking their medications, and re-hospitalisation is common. Fortunately, psychotherapy, including modern forms of cognitive therapy such as ACT, have been shown to be helpful.

Groups such as the Hearing Voices Network point to the evidence that 70% of voice hearers can identify a traumatic life event that triggered their voices. Similarly, they encourage voice hearers to talk about their voices and what they mean as a way to reduce anxiety and isolation.  For example, the Maastricht Approach is a structured way of exploring the life experiences that may have lead to the hearing of voices, the possible meaning of those voices, current coping strategies and current supports. Similarly, a modified Maastricht approach is used for people who experience paranoia. I am Registered as a Licensed Maastricht Alternative Approach Practitioner and a Member of the International Association of Maastricht Alternative Approach Practitioners. If you are experiencing psychosis symptoms, I would encourage you to engage in a non-stigmatising and collaborative approach to making sense of your current experiences. As a psychologist who is trained in the Maastricht Approach, as well as modern cognitive behavioural therapies, I would welcome the opportunity to continue your recovery journey toward a values-based life.

People experiencing schizophrenia or psychosis often have significant trauma histories.  EMDR has been found to be a safe and feasible intervention for people with psychosis can be helpful in reducing distress associated with traumatic memories.