Psychosis vs Schizophrenia: What’s the Difference?

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that’s characterized by a combination of symptoms, including hallucinations, disorganized thinking, delusions, and an impaired emotional response. The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 24 million people have schizophrenia globally. 

Schizophrenia symptoms generally emerge by early adulthood in most people, although it can occur at any time. The mental health disorder can significantly impact the perception of reality and behavior, making daily functioning difficult and severely straining relationships. While schizophrenia cannot be cured, treatment is possible. Effectively treating schizophrenia symptoms requires lifelong management that generally involves a combined treatment approach of therapy, medication, and various support systems tailored to specific needs.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis describes a mental state that results in a loss of contact with reality. Research suggests that 15 – 100 people out of every 100,000 will have a psychotic episode every year. 

Symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired insight are all characteristics of psychosis. Psychosis symptoms can occur in several mental health conditions — including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and delusional disorder — as well as substance-induced mental states, traumatic brain injury, some neurological conditions, or as the result of another medical condition, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment for psychosis involves a combination of approaches, including therapy, medication, and support or lifestyle changes that can address underlying causes. 

Key Differences Between Schizophrenia and Psychosis

To fully understand schizophrenia versus psychosis, it’s important to distinguish between several factors related to each condition. While they can both involve detachment from reality, a significant difference is that schizophrenia is a specific chronic brain disorder. Psychosis, by contrast, refers to a set of varied symptoms that can occur in several different conditions or independently.

Definition & nature

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It results in significant functional impairment and without treatment, often causes social withdrawal. 

Psychosis is one or more symptoms resulting from a loss of contact with reality. Symptoms manifest in various mental and physical health conditions in addition to schizophrenia. 

Causes

Although the exact cause of schizophrenia isn’t fully understood, it’s generally accepted that it can result from one or more genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Most experts believe that a variety of factors, like brain chemistry, prenatal exposure, or extreme stress, can increase one’s risk of developing schizophrenia.

Psychosis can stem from multiple factors — there isn’t one single cause. While someone can develop psychosis due to a mental health condition — like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder — it can also occur from substance abuse, a medical condition, or due to extreme stress or trauma. It’s possible that neurotransmitter function disruptions, altered brain structure, or genetic predisposition might cause an onset of psychosis.

Symptoms

While schizophrenia and psychosis share many symptoms, the distinction lies in the broader context and presentation of these symptoms. Psychosis primarily refers to specific symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, which can also occur in various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. However, schizophrenia is a complex, long-term psychiatric condition that encompasses a broader spectrum of symptoms.

Schizophrenia symptoms:

• Hallucinations: These typically involve hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there.
• Delusions: Common delusions include beliefs of grandeur or unfounded fears of persecution.
• Disorganized thinking: This can manifest as incoherent speech or difficulty organizing thoughts.
• Disorganized behavior: This may include erratic movements or unusual behavior patterns that are not goal-directed and can be agitating.

Symptoms of psychosis:

• Hallucinations and delusions: Similar to schizophrenia but can be triggered by various factors, including other mental illnesses, stress, or substance use.
• Disorganized thinking: While also present in schizophrenia, in the context of psychosis, it might not be as persistent or might be directly linked to specific episodes or triggers.

In both schizophrenia and isolated episodes of psychosis, these symptoms can severely disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and performance in work or school environments. However, schizophrenia requires a more complex, ongoing treatment and management strategy due to its chronic nature and the range of symptoms involved.

Scope & duration

For most people, schizophrenia is a lifelong condition. Treatment can improve quality of life through symptom management, but this chronic condition almost always requires long-term intervention. 

Psychotic episodes, which are generally shorter in duration, vary based on their underlying cause. They can last from a few hours to several days. In more severe cases, it may extend for weeks, months, or even longer.

Treatment

Treatment for psychosis vs. schizophrenia varies. Schizophrenia treatment options typically involve a combination approach to get the best results. Antipsychotic medications — and occasionally antidepressants or mood stabilizers — can help manage symptoms, and therapy for schizophrenia can address both cognitive and behavioral challenges. Additionally, psychoeducation and support services from a mental health professional are beneficial in improving functioning, relationships, and quality of life. Schizophrenia medication adherence is critical when treating symptoms of schizophrenia.

A psychosis treatment approach often includes medication that can reduce symptoms of hallucinations and delusions. Therapy is also essential to identify underlying causes so coping techniques can be implemented. Treatment plans for those who experience psychotic episodes are tailored to each person’s individual needs and circumstances. Like schizophrenia, support services, and psychoeducation are important components of a comprehensive treatment plan and play a crucial role in recovery.

Start Tailored Treatment Online

Psychosis and schizophrenia can be difficult conditions to understand and treat in the beginning. However, accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan can make a world of difference in overall well-being, developing and maintaining healthy relationships, and establishing vital support networks.

Online therapy can be an incredible resource, offering accessible and convenient treatment options. Talkspace has licensed and experienced mental health professionals who can help you or a loved one take charge of your mental well-being. If you have schizophrenia or experience episodes of psychosis, reach out to a Talkspace mental health professional today to start on your journey and road to recovery.

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