Improving Lives Through Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Improving Lives Through Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Psychosis can feel confusing and scary, for the person going through it and for the people who love them. You don't have to figure it out alone. We help Missourians notice the early signs, get care quickly, and move forward with hope.
IDENTIFY
Psychosis can happen to anyone, at any age, from any background. A first episode often feels like a crisis, both for the person and for their family. Some things can raise the risk, like a family history of psychosis, past trauma or abuse, substance use, or feeling cut off from others. Knowing the signs helps you act early.
TREAT
Most people show changes in how they act before psychosis begins. Getting the right care quickly can make a real difference. It can mean fewer hospital stays and milder symptoms, and it helps keep friends and family close along the way.
RECOVER
Recovery looks different for everyone. It’s about finding your strengths, building resilience, and picturing a future you’re excited about. Your path will reflect who you are: your talents, your values, and what matters most to you.
IDENTIFY
First Episode Psychosis (FEP) can affect individuals of any age, gender, race, or cultural background. A first episode usually presents as a crisis for the individual experiencing the event as well as their family. Some risk factors include a family history of psychosis, a history of trauma or abuse, substance use, and social isolation.
TREAT
Individuals usually show clear changes in their behavior before psychosis begins. Quickly helping them to access the right care can help with recovery in many ways. Fast access to care can reduce how often hospitals are used and the severity of symptoms. It can also help maintain social support and families’ involvement.
RECOVER
Many who experience first episode psychosis recover with early identification and intervention. Many describe recovery as a journey to renewed well-being after psychosis. Recovery may involve finding strengths, building resilience, and moving toward a brighter future.
Psychosis is a collection of symptoms which affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually. Examples of these symptoms include:
- Beliefs not based in reality (delusions)
- Experiences of things which aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Jumbled thoughts and speech (disorganized thinking)
- Limited emotional expression (flat affect)
- Loss of motivation
- Social withdrawal
- Distinct changes in behavior
Psychosis is more common than many people realize. About 3% of people experience an episode of psychosis at some point in their lives. While schizophrenia is the most common cause of a first episode of psychosis (FEP), many who experience psychosis never develop schizophrenia.
