This lesson explores various factors that can contribute to psychotic experiences. It discusses physical triggers such as sleep deprivation, illnesses, substance abuse, brain damage or dementia, and changes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, it addresses psychological factors like stressors or traumatic events that increase vulnerability to these experiences
As we journey further into the depths of understanding psychotic experiences, it becomes imperative to explore the myriad factors that can contribute to their occurrence. In this lesson, we delve into the intricacies of these causes, ranging from physical triggers to psychological vulnerabilities.
Physiological Factors
Almost anyone can have a brief psychotic episode. Physiological factors play a significant role in precipitating psychotic experiences. Sleep deprivation (through severe jet lag, perhaps) is often underestimated in its impact, can disrupt the delicate balance of our minds and pave the way for hallucinations and delusions to take root. Similarly, certain illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may leave individuals more susceptible to experiencing psychosis. Substance abuse is another avenue through which these experiences may manifest, as drugs alter brain chemistry and distort perceptions.
You may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) if you have a high fever (including malaria, pneumonia, ‘flu and other viral infections), or lead or mercury poisoning. If you have Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, you may also experience hallucinations or delusions.
Furthermore, brain damage or dementia can also be culprits behind psychotic episodes. Whether resulting from traumatic injury or age-related degeneration, these conditions disrupt neural pathways and create fertile ground for aberrant thoughts and sensations to flourish. Even fluctuations in blood sugar levels have been known to induce psychosis in individuals with diabetes.
While physiological triggers hold undeniable sway over psychotic experiences, it is crucial not to overlook the psychological factors that contribute as well. Stressors—those relentless pressures that weigh heavily on our minds—can push us towards a tipping point where reality begins to crumble before our eyes. Traumatic events too can leave lasting scars on our psyche and render us vulnerable to delusions and hallucinations.
Psychological Factors
While physiological triggers hold undeniable sway over psychotic experiences, it is crucial not to overlook the psychological factors that contribute as well. Stressors—those relentless pressures that weigh heavily on our minds—can push us towards a tipping point where reality begins to crumble before our eyes. Traumatic events too can leave lasting scars on our psyche and render us vulnerable to delusions and hallucinations.
The relationship between trauma and psychosis is particularly intriguing. Studies have shown that childhood trauma can significantly increase the risk of developing psychotic symptoms later in life. The intertwining threads of trauma’s impact on both mental health and perception highlight the delicate balance upon which our cognitive faculties rest.
People who have been through very difficult or unhappy events may need to push their feelings and memories away because they are so painful.
Some therapists suggest that psychotic experiences are an expression of these overwhelming feelings and forbidden thoughts. In other words, these are a way of coping with life events, such as abuse.
It is noteworthy that while these causes shed light on potential triggers for psychosis, they do not necessarily guarantee its manifestation in every individual exposed to them. Each person’s unique genetic makeup and life circumstances interact with these factors, making each experience of psychosis a deeply personal journey.
Biochemical/Genetic Factors
The experiences involve biological changes in brain structure or brain chemistry, but whether these are the cause or the effect of the psychotic experience is impossible to say. Research into whether there’s an inherited vulnerability is inconclusive. If one member of a family is diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder then there seems to be more chance of another family member being similarly diagnosed. But no single gene has been found to be responsible. Early experiences in life may be important in helping to prevent problems. One theory suggests that over-critical or over-protective families make people more vulnerable to psychosis.
Social & Environmental Factors that Lead to Psychosis
Culture
It’s also been suggested that they are traits we all share, to varying degrees, but which are interpreted differently, according to our culture or social standing. Someone regarded as ‘charmingly eccentric’ in an artistic community, may be condemned as ‘abnormal’ elsewhere. It’s been pointed out that a very high proportion of disadvantaged young men are likely to receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia, many of them from the Black community. Misdiagnosis may come from misunderstanding. Some people suggest that it is evidence of underlying racism.
Upbringing & Psychosis
All our experiences colour the way we interpret what happens to us in life. Many people who have psychotic experiences seem to have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused. Their experience of life can make them anxious and suspicious about other people, as well as lowering their self-esteem. So, if they have a psychotic experience, it may be particularly frightening and disturbing to them. This sets up a vicious, negative circle. For instance, someone who hears voices may think they are being bugged. They may become afraid that the secret service is persecuting them and interpret everything they see as supporting this view. They may start to avoid all streets with white vans in them, or refuse to go outside at all. Feeling threatened and on constant alert can be very frightening, tiring, and preoccupying. It may interfere with sleep and daily life, and make it very hard to trust anyone.
Recreational Drugs
Researchers still aren’t sure whether using recreational drugs directly causes psychosis but you may be more likely to hear or see things as a result of taking certain recreational drugs, like cannabis, amphetamines (including speed and ice), LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, ketamine, ecstasy and cocaine. There is considerable evidence that psychotic experiences are connected to using cannabis in some vulnerable people. If you have already experienced psychosis, using recreational drugs can make the symptoms worse, in particular, if you take high-potency cannabis (‘skunk’).
Conclusion
The causes of psychotic experiences are multifaceted, encompassing physiological triggers such as sleep deprivation, illnesses, substance abuse, brain damage or dementia, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Psychological factors like stressors and traumatic events also play a significant role in increasing vulnerability to these experiences. It is crucial to acknowledge these causes as part of our quest for understanding and ultimately finding ways to alleviate the burden that psychosis can impose on individuals’ lives.
As we continue our exploration into the intricacies of psychotic experiences, we move closer to unravelling their mysteries. In the next lesson, we will delve into possible avenues for overcoming these often bewildering encounters with altered reality. Let us embark on this journey together as we seek hope amidst confusion and resilience amidst uncertainty.
Stay curious; stay open-minded; stay compassionate.