Psychosis vs. Nervous Breakdown: Key Differences

When people go through times of extreme stress, you may hear the terms “psychosis,” “psychotic break,” or “nervous breakdown.” Psychosis is a group of symptoms that can make it hard to tell what’s real and what isn’t.

About 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent of people will have symptoms that could lead to a psychotic disorder diagnosis at some point in their lives. People who’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a type of psychotic condition, experience symptoms of psychosis.

A nervous breakdown isn’t a medical term. People often use this phrase to describe a mental health crisis. When someone says they’re having a nervous breakdown, they’re likely experiencing intense emotional stress and feel unable to cope with it. When you’re under extreme stress, it can be hard to function as you normally would.

While psychosis and a “nervous breakdown” can have some of the same symptoms, there are key differences to understand. In this article, we’ll describe the similarities and differences between psychosis and nervous breakdowns. We’ll also cover how to recognize and treat both conditions.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a medical term for a group of symptoms that make it hard to tell what’s real and what isn’t. A person may experience hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, or delusions, which are strong beliefs that aren’t true.

Each person’s experience is different, but psychosis can be frightening and should be treated as soon as possible.

Adolescents and young adults are at the highest risk of developing psychosis. Psychosis can occur with the following mental health conditions:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Major depression with psychotic features
• Postpartum psychosis
• Substance use disorder

How Treatment Differs Between the Two

Early treatment is an important way to successfully manage both psychosis and a mental health crisis. Both of these mental health events may require a combination of treatment and lifestyle strategies.

At the first sign of psychosis, a person can benefit from a type of treatment approach called coordinated specialty care. This involves a team of specialists who provide therapy, medication management, education, case management, and support with work or school.

Psychosis Often Requires Medication

Many people experiencing psychosis need therapy, medication, or both. Antipsychotic medications can improve hallucinations and delusions.

Psychotherapy for a Nervous Breakdown

Therapy with a mental health provider is the main treatment for a mental health crisis or nervous breakdown. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps a person cope with stress by helping them change how they think, feel, and behave.

A therapist who specializes in CBT can help a person learn how to recognize stressors and use problem-solving techniques. In some cases, a person in a mental health crisis may need medication for anxiety, depression, or insomnia, especially if symptoms are severe or making daily life hard. Therapy can also help people with psychosis. A therapist can teach coping strategies and social training.

It’s Possible To Lower Your Risk of a Nervous Breakdown

You may have a mental health crisis when you feel like you can’t cope with a stressful event. Fortunately, you can protect yourself by learning coping strategies that can help you during times of stress.

Strategies to reduce your risk of a nervous breakdown include:

• Relaxation exercises — Learning to relax your mind and body with breathing exercises or meditation can lower the effects of stress.
• Self-care — Care for your physical health by prioritizing sleep, exercising most days, and eating a nutrient-dense diet.
• Organization — Take time to process your stressful situation by writing about it and then making a to-do list.
• Therapy — Meeting with a mental health provider can help in times of stress.

When To Get Help for Mental Health Symptoms

The best time to get help for mental health symptoms is when you first notice them. Try to step away from the stressful situation if possible and calm your body. Take a few deep breaths and call your healthcare provider.

Getting urgent treatment at the first sign of psychosis can help improve a person’s mental health and outlook. Reach out for help when you notice that your stress feels unmanageable. If you’re having trouble keeping up with your normal schedule, it could be a sign that you need more support.

When you seek help, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your health history. They’ll also review your current medications and any recreational drugs or substances. Your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, including when they started and what led to them.

If you saw your primary healthcare provider first, they’ll likely refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for more testing and treatment. If you’re thinking about suicide, feel overwhelmed by emotional distress, or think you might hurt yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

If you’re concerned about a friend’s mental health, let them know you’re available to listen and help. Ask what they need from you and gently encourage getting professional help. Helping a loved one through an episode of psychosis can be incredibly stressful, so remember to take care of yourself, too.

Join the Conversation

On MySchizophreniaTeam, people share their experiences with schizophrenia, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you or a loved one ever experienced psychosis? What treatment options have helped? Let others know in the comments below.