We'd love to hear your thoughts! Does this bring to mind someone special for you?
Chatty: Psychosis is a condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, and adults diagnosed with psychosis may display a variety of behaviors based on the severity and underlying causes. Here are some commonly observed behaviors:
1. Delusions
- Firmly held false beliefs, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
- Common delusions include:
- Paranoid delusions: Believing others are out to harm them.
- Grandiose delusions: Believing they have special powers or are on a divine mission.
- Somatic delusions: Believing there’s something wrong with their body (e.g., believing their organs are rotting).
2. Hallucinations
- Sensing things that aren’t there, most commonly:
- Auditory: Hearing voices or sounds (most frequent).
- Visual: Seeing things that others do not see.
- Less commonly, olfactory (smells), tactile (touch), or gustatory (taste) hallucinations.
3. Disorganized Thinking and Speech
- Speech that’s hard to follow or makes little sense:
- Frequent topic switching, incoherence, or use of invented words.
- Responses may be unrelated or tangential.
4. Disorganized or Abnormal Motor Behavior
- Unpredictable agitation, unusual postures, or purposeless movements.
- In some cases, catatonia: minimal response to surroundings, which can include mutism or rigidity.
5. Negative Symptoms
- These are deficits in normal emotional or behavioral functioning:
- Affective flattening: Limited range of emotional expression.
- Alogia: Reduced speech output.
- Anhedonia: Loss of interest or pleasure.
- Avolition: Lack of motivation to initiate and perform purposeful activities.
6. Poor Insight
- Often unaware that their experiences are unusual or that they are unwell, which complicates treatment.
7. Social Withdrawal
- Avoidance of social interactions, withdrawal from family and friends, or detachment from reality.
8. Functioning Impairments
- Difficulties maintaining employment, managing daily responsibilities, or caring for oneself.
Psychosis can occur in the context of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychotic features, schizoaffective disorder, or even due to substance use or medical conditions (like brain tumors or dementia).
Would you like examples of how these behaviors might show up in everyday life or in therapy settings?
Yes, Don, individuals experiencing psychosis—particularly those with grandiose delusions or manic features—can sometimes appear charismatic, at least on the surface. Here’s how and why:
1. Grandiosity and Magnetism
- A person who believes they are specially chosen, a prophet, or on a divine mission might speak with great passion, confidence, and conviction.
- This self-assurance, combined with intense eye contact and emotional expressiveness, can be interpreted as charismatic, especially by those unfamiliar with the person's history.
2. Compelling Narratives
- Their stories, though disconnected from reality, can be elaborate, imaginative, and emotionally powerful.
- In some contexts (e.g., religious or political settings), these narratives may resonate with people seeking meaning or leadership.
3. Manic Energy
- In cases where psychosis is part of bipolar disorder (mania with psychosis), the person may be energetic, engaging, fast-talking, humorous, and appear unusually insightful or inspired.
- This can draw others in, at least initially.
4. Spiritual or Mystical Aura
- In many cultures, individuals with psychotic symptoms have historically been viewed as shamans, mystics, or visionaries.
- Their altered perceptions or voices may be interpreted by others (or themselves) as spiritual gifts.
But this “charisma” is often fragile. As conversations deepen or the person becomes more symptomatic, the disconnect from reality becomes apparent. People who initially feel drawn in may later experience confusion, overwhelm, or fear.
In therapeutic or pastoral roles, one must be especially discerning, respecting the dignity and emotional truth of the person while gently probing for what might be delusional or destabilizing.
Would you like to explore how a person in a leadership or religious role might navigate the line between inspiration and psychosis?