Bipolar Psychosis: Definition, Causes, Types

Mental illnesses require patients to be examined regularly by specialized specialists. In this way, it is possible to monitor the dynamics of treatment and understand the exact diagnosis. Since there are more and more such diagnoses, it is important to understand the most common ones. And the first thing to pay attention to is bipolar disorder with psychotic tendencies – as it can sometimes present symptoms similar to those of BPD, such as mood swings and distorted perceptions.

It is somewhat different from the better-known bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly confuse them and as a result, the treatment goes wrong. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly understand what bipolar psychosis is and what its symptoms and causes are.

Bipolar psychosis definition

By studying bipolar psychosis definition meaning one can learn that it is a disorder in which a person cannot distinguish reality from his or her imagination. As a rule, it is fixed in people with bipolar disorder of the first type. Extremely rarely it is manifested in patients with the second type. 

Such psychosis can mean that the patient may have schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Also, such a disorder can be triggered by physical illnesses (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.). In some cases, even postpartum depression can be the trigger. As you can see, bipolar psychosis manifests itself in different situations, so it is worth tracking its symptoms of manifestation.

Symptoms

Having figured out what bipolar psychosis explained it is also worth exploring its symptoms. These may include:

• manifestation of stable feelings about the evaluation of one’s performance;
• feeling of strong non-compulsory feelings or complete absence of them;
• not following the rules of personal hygiene;
• manifestation of non-compulsory suspicions towards relatives and friends;
• difficulty in trying to concentrate on certain tasks;
• difficulty in clear thinking;
• desire to distance oneself from relatives and friends. 

Comparing bipolar psychosis vs schizophrenia differences one can see that some of these are the same. At the same time, both diseases can cause delusions, and hallucinations of different types.

Causes of BP

When looking at the causes of psychosis in bipolar disorder it is worth noting the following:

• genetics;
• hormones;
• psychotic substance use;
• sudden stress or trauma;
• constant sleep deprivation.

It is genetics that most often leads to the manifestation of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Of course, these diagnoses do not manifest in all family members. However, the risk in those who had such diseases in the family increases many times. Hormonal changes can also cause the manifestation of the disease. Most often it manifests itself at puberty or after childbirth. 

Sleep deprivation, stress, and trauma can be the starting point for the manifestation of the disorder. So can the use of illegal substances, including marijuana. Therefore, one should be careful not only with the physical but also with the emotional state of a person.

Types of bipolar psychosis

Scientists distinguish among bipolar psychosis types mood-congruent mood-incongruent. At the same time, they manifest themselves with cardinal differences. At mood-congruent examples of bipolar psychosis symptoms include strong hallucinations, which correspond to the mood of the person. He is sure that he is being watched and can hear imaginary sounds or voices in neighboring rooms.

In mood-incongruent, the hallucinations and delusions do not match the person’s mood. Rather, he thinks that the voices he hears are some invisible force that tells him how to act. When this type of psychosis occurs, it is better to hospitalize the patient.

Conclusions

Bipolar psychosis manifests itself in different situations and with different symptoms. In order to correctly indicate the diagnosis, the patient should be shown to specialized specialists. Only with their help will it be possible to properly treat the patient and improve the quality of his life.