Category: Psychosis

Akathesia: A Tortured Restlessness

There are particular side effects from medicine that physicians want to know right away if you have. Akathesia is one of them. Akathesia is a sensation of inner restlessness so bad that it can actually increase the risk of suicide. People suffering from it are unable to sit still and often describe it as a creepy-crawly sensation inside of them. Akathesia treatment usually works pretty quickly. Let’s go over what is akathesia to be sure you can recognize it in the unfortunate chance that you or someone you know experiences it. read more

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Rare but Potentially Deadly Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that is one of the rare side effects of antipsychotic medications. It is fatal in 10% of patients. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome symptoms need to be recognized early to cut down on this risk of death. NMS is an unpredictable and rare condition but because of the seriousness, people who take a medication classified as an antipsychotic need to know about it and realize if it is happening. Starting Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome treatment right away will improve the course of the syndrome. What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome? Follow along to find out. read more

Cultural Interpretations of Mental Illness: Guest Post

Perceptions of mental health are influenced by stigma and also factors that pertain to social, religious and cultural tradition. Cultural interpretations of mental health vary widely around the globe. Simply put, when it comes to culture and mental illness, no two opinions are alike.



Cultural Interpretations of mental health vary globally

A study conducted in 2015 at Brunel University London has revealed that mental health literacy levels are higher in the Western world, namely North America and Europe when compared to African and Asian cultures. read more

Psychotic Episode and the Support of Others: How to Help Someone With Psychosis

Psychosis can be a terrifying experience for everyone. When a loved one has a psychotic episode, families, and friends are usually not prepared. The first step is figuring out “What is psychosis?” and getting a basic understanding of what might be happening. After that, the first plans can be made as to how to deal with psychosis. People are often too scared to talk to the person because they don’t know how to respond to the psychotic thoughts. It is much easier to support them and stay connected if you know the best ways to communicate. Read this to learn how to help someone with psychosis. read more

3 Types of Paranoia: What does paranoia mean?

Recently someone asked me a question regarding the relationship between anxiety and paranoia. They reported feeling paranoid and were wondering if treatment for anxiety would help them feel better. Is paranoia a symptom of anxiety? What does paranoia mean? There aren’t actually 3 types of paranoia and being paranoid means very different things to people with anxiety, OCD, or psychosis.

If you know someone who is paranoid or are curious about the best ways to provide support, download this free PDF guide:   read more