Psychosis: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Support

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is more than stress or confusion. It is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person perceives reality. Psychosis can cause hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking that make it difficult to function in daily life.

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we provide comprehensive evaluation and medication management for psychosis. We serve patients in the Santa Cruz area and across California via telehealth.

Common Symptoms of Psychosis

Psychosis can look different for each person, but common symptoms include:

• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there

• Delusions: Strong beliefs not based in reality (paranoia, false ideas)

• Disorganized thoughts or speech: Trouble following conversations or staying on topic

• Behavioral changes: Agitation, withdrawal, or unusual behavior

• Difficulty functioning: Decline in work, school, or daily activities

• Lack of insight: Not recognizing symptoms as unusual

These symptoms may occur gradually or appear suddenly, often during late adolescence or early adulthood.

Causes of Psychosis

Psychosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis itself. It can be associated with:

• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

• Bipolar disorder with psychotic features

• Severe depression with psychosis

• Substance use (e.g., stimulants, cannabis, hallucinogens)

• Certain medical conditions (neurological or metabolic disorders)

A thorough evaluation helps identify the underlying cause.

Medication Options for Psychosis

Medications play a central role in managing psychosis. Commonly prescribed options include:

• Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics: risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, lurasidone

• First-generation antipsychotics: haloperidol, perphenazine (used less commonly due to side effects)

• Clozapine: For treatment-resistant psychosis

• Adjunctive treatments: Mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be used when psychosis occurs with other mental health conditions

The choice of medication depends on symptoms, medical history, and individual response.

Other Treatment Options

Medication is often most effective when combined with other supports:

• Therapy: CBT for psychosis, supportive therapy, or family therapy

• Psychoeducation: Learning about the illness to recognize early warning signs

• Social support: Peer groups, case management, or supported housing

• Lifestyle approaches: Sleep regulation, stress management, and consistent routines

In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize acute symptoms.

When to Seek Help

Psychosis can be frightening and overwhelming — but with early intervention, treatment outcomes improve significantly. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seeking help is critical.

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we offer:

• Evaluation and diagnosis of psychotic symptoms

• Medication management tailored to each patient

• In-person psychiatric care in Santa Cruz

• Telehealth services across California

Take the Next Step

If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of psychosis, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Coastal Breeze Mental Health today to schedule an appointment and begin treatment in a safe, supportive environment.

📍 Serving Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, San Jose, Los Gatos, Capitola, and all of California via telehealth.