Primary psychotic episode (psychosis)

What to know about this topic

Psychosisis a condition in which a person partially or completely loses touch with reality. This is not a “sentence” or a sign of “hopelessness,” but a medical condition that requires professional intervention. The most important stage in treatment is overcoming the primary psychotic episode, since it is timely help at the onset of the disease that gives the best results.

What is a psychotic episode?

A psychotic episode (psychosis) manifests itself through a disturbance in the perception of the surrounding world and thinking.

The main symptoms are:

• Hallucinations: a person hears voices, sees or feels something that does not really exist.
• Delusion: the emergence of ideas that are unconvincing to others, but unshakable for the patient (persecution, grandeur, influence of outside forces, secret meaning).
• Disorganization: difficulties in logical thinking, speech and daily activities.
• Personal changes: changes in relationships with others and yourself, in emotions and behavior.

Why does a primary psychotic episode require attention?

The first psychotic episode often comes as a shock to the family. However, it is during this period that the brain is most plastic and susceptible to treatment. The faster a person receives help for a psychotic condition, the higher the chances of full restoration of brain function and return to social life.

Treatment options in our clinic

We use an integrated approach aimed at maximum recovery:

Drug therapy:The use of modern antipsychotics with individual dosage selection under the supervision of a doctor at all stages. Our goal is to select high-quality therapy that will provide a long-term effect while maintaining and restoring social activity.

Psychological assistance:Working with the patient and his family to understand the nature of the disease and prevent relapses. We have accumulated extensive experience in psychotherapeutic assistance to improve the quality of life.

Group training: Metacognitive training, which provides a deep understanding of thinking processes and develops the skills necessary to overcome symptoms.

Metacognitive training (MCT) is an accessible way to overcome the consequences of psychosis

We have launched a social initiative - group metacognitive training for people in need of recovery from psychosis.

What is it metacognition? This is “thinking about thinking.” Psychosis is often accompanied by cognitive distortions (for example, hasty conclusions, overconfidence in mistakes).

What topics do we cover in the training:

• Why we sometimes jump to conclusions and are too sure that we are right, and how to avoid this.
• How our thoughts affect our feelings and behavior.
• How to better understand your own intentions and the intentions of others.
• How to find different alternative explanations for situations instead of just one.
• How to make your thinking more flexible and calm.

Important: MCT does not replace medications, but is an effective scientifically proven tool that allows you to become an active participant in your recovery.

Groups are held regularly by prior registration. Treatment of psychosis and recovery in our clinic is a partnership between the doctor, the patient and his loved ones for the sake of restoring health and quality of life.

We provide comprehensive care: from diagnosis and individual selection of treatment with constant doctor’s support to support during the rehabilitation stage.

Author of the material:
Kristina Zhivago, PhD, psychiatrist.
PhD thesis is dedicated to rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia with symptoms of depression.