Living with Bipolar Psychosis: Key Insights and Strategies

Psychosis during bipolar disorder is complex, with episodes of mania and mood shifts leading to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised behaviour. Understanding the characteristics of these symptoms is crucial to helping individuals manage bipolar and improve their mental well-being. This blog delves into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of psychosis in bipolar disorder. 

What Is Bipolar Psychosis?

Bipolar psychosis can be described as a disconnection from reality that a person experiences when dealing with the disorder. They struggle to have a clear distinction between reality and imagination, leading to delusions and hallucinations. It also comes with extreme mood swings and behavioural alterations that are common with bipolar. 

Statistics and Prevalence of Bipolar Psychosis

Research shows that about half of individuals with bipolar disorder experience at least one psychotic episode during their lifetime. These episodes, which can include delusions or hallucinations, profoundly affect mental and emotional health. Managing them often requires specialised care and ongoing treatment.

Symptoms of Bipolar Psychosis

The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder psychosis can vary from person to person, depending on the nature and intensity of the condition. However, some early indicators can help loved ones detect these symptoms and find professional help as soon as possible. Here are some common symptoms of bipolar psychosis: 

Early Warning Signs of Psychosis

Some warning signs that can be detected at an early stage include excess worry about performance at school or work, difficulty concentrating, having extreme, often inappropriate feelings, difficulty maintaining relationships, difficulty maintaining personal hygiene, irregular sleeping patterns, and suspicion towards those around the person affected. It is important to note, however, that any or more of these signs do not necessarily confirm bipolar psychosis, and only a professional can provide a comprehensive diagnosis. 

Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs that feel very real for those experiencing them. It can come in different types. Delusions of grandeur make one feel that they are more important and deserving of more than others around them. Paranoid delusions are characterised by feelings that people around them want to actively harm them. By altering one’s perception of reality, delusions greatly influence behavioural changes and impact a person’s mental health further. 

Hallucinations

Hallucinations can be described as situations where a person hears voices, sees things or smells things that aren’t real. These voices don’t need to be particularly inappropriate or bring danger but are perceived nevertheless. Hallucinations are prevalent in bipolar disorders and are highly distressing to cope with, requiring professional assistance to comprehensively manage.

Paranoia and Fear

During a depressive episode of bipolar psychosis, individuals may experience intense paranoia, believing they have done something wrong or caused harm to others. They may also fear that someone is actively trying to hurt or threaten them, which can amplify feelings of distress, sadness, or anxiety.

Unusual or Racing Thought Patterns

Individuals with bipolar psychosis may experience rapid and overwhelming thought processes that are difficult to control. This can manifest as constant, disorganised, or confused speech, where they frequently jump from one topic to another without logical transitions. Often, they may lose track of their thoughts mid-conversation, making it challenging to communicate effectively or follow a coherent line of discussion.

Lack of Awareness 

Individuals experiencing bipolar psychosis often have difficulty recognising that their perceptions and behaviours do not align with reality.

They may be unaware that their hallucinations or delusions are not real and fail to notice that others around them are not experiencing the same. This lack of awareness is a common challenge in bipolar psychosis, making it harder for individuals to seek or accept the help they need.

Causes of Bipolar Psychosis

The causes of bipolar psychosis continue to be a matter of research among scholars, but experts believe that it is normally a combination of biological and environmental factors. Some of the most common causes include: 

Genetics

While the extent of genetic influence on bipolar psychosis is unclear, some studies suggest that people with a specific genetic makeup are potentially more prone to mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder. It has also been observed that people with a family history of such disorders are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. Identifying the genetic causes provides opportunities to personalise treatments for bipolar disorder and psychosis. 

Hormones

The role of hormones in causing psychosis is a matter of continual study, but experts believe that since psychosis can be triggered during childbirth or may occur during puberty, it is potentially linked with hormones. In specific cases where psychosis can be connected to hormones, professionals provide treatments accordingly. 

Use of Marijuana

Marijuana use has been shown to worsen symptoms of bipolar psychosis and, in turn, intensify symptoms such as psychosis. It could also increase the episodes of psychosis. Some studies also suggest that high levels of marijuana consumption may increase the risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms as part of bipolar disorder. 

Stress or Trauma

Stress or trauma are common triggers that exacerbate bipolar disorder psychosis symptoms. When a person finds it difficult to manage their emotions and address their past traumas, it greatly hinders their ability to make progress in bipolar disorder treatment. Experts have also noted that stress and trauma could also potentially increase the risk of developing psychosis during bipolar. 

Lack of Sleep

Disrupted sleep and insomnia are known to destabilise mood and increase the likelihood of psychotic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. People with this condition find it difficult to prioritise good sleep hygiene and effectively manage their sleep disturbances, leading to psychotic symptoms. 

Types of Bipolar Disorder Psychosis

Bipolar disorder psychosis is mainly of two types, differentiated based on how psychosis symptoms match with the person’s mood and mental state at the time when it is expressed. These are: 

Mood-Congruent Symptoms

When psychosis symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations align with the person’s mood or mental state, it is considered a mood-congruent symptom. Experts have a clear understanding of the phases of bipolar and are thus able to detect these symptoms, which include inflated self-esteem or racing thoughts. These delusions can be triggered by feelings that one is being attacked or spied on. 

Mood-Incongruent Symptoms

Mood-incongruent symptoms are when a person’s mental state and mood do not match their psychotic symptoms during bipolar. When professionals observe that individuals with bipolar disorder start to believe that external forces are controlling their thoughts and actions, leading to unpredictable hallucinations, it is generally believed to be mood-incongruent psychosis symptoms. These are often more intense and require strict attention for appropriate management. 

Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Psychosis

Since bipolar disorder psychosis is characterised by alternating episodes of mania and depressive episodes, experts take a dynamic approach to diagnosis. For the manic phase, they note extreme moods, high energy, impulsivity, and delusions of grandeur, among others, which can also trigger symptoms of bipolar psychosis such as hallucinations. For depressive episodes, symptoms such as low mood, lethargy, and low self-esteem are observed. Full-fledged diagnosis involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and takes into account the severity, frequency, and duration of the symptoms, family history, medical history, and more.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bipolar Psychosis

It’s important to get help for symptoms of bipolar psychosis as soon as possible, as delaying treatment can make things harder to manage over time. A lot of people think they don’t need ongoing care once symptoms improve, but sticking with therapy and medication is key for staying stable in the long run. Acting early often means less intensive treatment, like outpatient care. If finding a therapist feels overwhelming, you can ask your primary doctor for a referral or use online directories to get started.

For more severe cases, untreated symptoms of bipolar psychosis might lead to the need for hospitalisation or time in a crisis facility. While that can feel intimidating, these options are there to keep you safe and help you stabilise during tough moments. Managing bipolar psychotic symptoms effectively means staying consistent with treatment, being honest about challenges, and adjusting plans when necessary. The sooner you act, the better the chances of feeling more in control and improving your overall well-being.

Bipolar Psychosis Treatment Options

Treatment for bipolar disorder and psychosis requires collaboration with various mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and more. Counselling sessions, medication, constant monitoring, and family support are major parts of a comprehensive, holistic bipolar psychosis treatment program. 

Psychopharmacological Approaches

Bipolar psychosis treatment often involves psychopharmacological medications to manage psychiatric disorders. This is a cornerstone of recovery from bipolar psychosis. Some of the prominent medications include mood stabilisers, antipsychotic drugs, and antidepressants, among others. These are essential in maintaining a person’s mental state and preventing extreme behaviours. Such medications are carefully prescribed after a thorough evaluation of the person’s existing symptoms and are altered based on the progress they make. 

Psychotherapy and Supportive Treatments

Therapy usually involves one-on-one and family sessions to better understand an individual’s struggles, symptoms of bipolar psychosis, and stressors and find effective ways to manage and prevent them. Therapeutic techniques such as  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and other family-oriented therapies are commonly utilised. Supportive treatments may include psychoeducation, complementary therapy, support group sessions, and strategies to cope with stressors and maintain relationships. 

Coping Strategies for Bipolar Psychosis

Coping with the combination of mood instability and psychosis during bipolar disorder requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the emotional and cognitive aspects of the disorder while also accounting for the involvement of the family of the individual. Some strategies suggested by experts include: 

Symptom Monitoring Techniques

Symptom tracking of bipolar disorder psychosis includes finding ways to stay on top of an individual’s psychosis symptoms. This is usually done through journals or mood-tracking apps that help one easily assess their symptoms and have a better way to identify triggers or warnings. It helps one keep note of their changing moods, habits, environments, stress levels, and more. 

Building a Support Network

A network of friends, family members, support groups, and mental health professionals can be crucial in monitoring the mood and behaviours of a person with bipolar disorder and assist them in managing their symptoms of bipolar psychosis. This is greatly helpful in coping with challenges, improving treatments over time, and enhancing quality of life. 

Identifying and Avoiding Triggers

Having a clear understanding of one’s triggers is vital during bipolar recovery. This enables professionals and caregivers to make adequate adjustments to everyday life and requirements. Triggers such as stress, substance dependency, poor sleep patterns, and lifestyle factors can be influenced with the right measures, and thus, being mindful of them can make a world of difference. 

Rebuilding Life After a Psychotic Bipolar Episode

Moving forward after a psychotic bipolar episode involves a combination of self-awareness, treatment, and support from loved ones. Here’s how:

• Understand that the episode reflects a medical condition, not personal weakness or intentional harm.
• Stay consistent with your bipolar psychosis treatment plan, including therapy and medication.
• Take accountability for any harm caused, apologise, and explain the condition to affected individuals.
• Repair relationships by fostering mutual understanding and sharing de-escalation techniques.
• Educate loved ones about bipolar psychosis and how they can support you effectively.
• Encourage loved ones to seek therapy or support groups for their own well-being.
• Focus on bipolar psychosis treatment adherence, open communication, and rebuilding a healthier future together.

Addressing Safety Concerns During Bipolar Psychosis

Bipolar psychosis can sometimes lead to safety risks because of disordered thinking and behaviour. These risks may include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, harm to others, strained relationships, or even legal trouble. Taking preventive steps and intervening early can help reduce these risks.

• Using Adaptive Coping Skills: Learning to recognise warning signs and practising coping strategies can help manage or even prevent episodes. Consistent bipolar psychosis treatment can better equip individuals to handle these situations.
• Emergency Support: In severe cases, it’s important to seek immediate help from crisis response teams, hotlines, or emergency services to ensure safety and stabilisation.

Helpful Phrases to Support Someone During Psychosis

Using the right words can make a big difference. Here are some supportive phrases to consider:

• “Are you okay?”
  A gentle, non-confrontational way to check in and understand what’s happening.
• “I’m here for you.”
  Offers reassurance without adding pressure or increasing anxiety.
• “How about we take a moment?”
  Encourages a pause to use coping strategies or de-escalate the situation.
• “Do you feel safe right now?”
  Directly addresses safety concerns and helps guide the next steps.

Phrases to Avoid During Psychosis

Some phrases can unintentionally worsen the situation. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• “You’re scaring me.”
  Shifts focus away from the individual and might heighten their anxiety.
• “What’s wrong with you?”
  Comes across as blaming and can make them feel judged or misunderstood.
• “I can’t be around you when you act like this.”
  Suggests rejection, which can increase feelings of distress and isolation.
• “You’re insane.”
  Reinforces stigma and may escalate emotional or behavioural responses.

Holistic Care for Bipolar Psychosis at Cadabams Hospital

Reducing risks and maintaining wellness with bipolar disorder, especially with psychosis-related symptoms, requires the combined effort of various professionals and caregivers. If your loved one is coping with symptoms of bipolar psychosis and requires a dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to guide bipolar psychosis treatment, consider Cadabam’s Hospitals. Our hospital and rehabilitation facilities are designed to support those with intense mental health challenges, overseen by experts with decades of experience in treating conditions such as bipolar. 

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage bipolar psychosis. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.

FAQs

How does bipolar psychosis manifest?

Bipolar psychosis typically appears during severe manic or depressive episodes, featuring hallucinations or delusions that are often in line with the person's extreme mood.

What is the treatment for psychotic bipolar?

Treatment usually involves a combination of mood stabilisers, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy to manage symptoms and prevent relapse.

How long do bipolar disorder and psychosis last?

The duration of bipolar psychosis varies, often lasting for the duration of the manic or depressive episode if untreated, but can be shortened with prompt treatment.

Can bipolar psychosis be prevented?

While not entirely preventable, regular treatment adherence, stress management, and monitoring for early symptoms can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Can you recover from bipolar disorder and psychosis?

Yes, with appropriate treatment, individuals can recover from episodes of bipolar psychosis, though ongoing management is crucial to minimise recurrence.