Relapses in psychotic disorders
After a psychotic episode, we speak of remission when the symptoms gradually disappear. But sometimes, these symptoms can reappear and worsen; that is, the affected person may experience a relapse .
This relapse can happen at any time, but it is most common during the first two years of the disorder. Most people—three out of five—will experience a relapse at some point . Despite this, it is important to note that between relapses, a person may feel well and lead a completely "normal" life.
Some of the things we can do to prevent a relapse are:
- Take antipsychotic medication regularly.
- Learning to reduce and manage stress is essential. It's crucial to ask the healthcare team for help in developing a personalized plan.
- Spend more time and connect with people we feel comfortable and happy with.
- Avoid using drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, etc.
- Stay active. Do physical exercise and activities that are enjoyable and give you a sense of purpose.
- Develop a relapse prevention plan. We should ask the care team for help to do this together.
Factors that increase the risk of having a psychosis
What are the warning signs of a relapse?
A few days or even a few weeks before the symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, etc.) reappear, some signs or symptoms occur that can alert us.
Some of the most common warning signs are:
- Feeling more tense, more afraid, or anxious.
- Having racing thoughts (many thoughts at once, not being able to concentrate on one thing).
- Be quieter and isolate yourself.
- Feeling down, less motivated, or more irritable.
- To be more tired.
- Having strange sensations that leave me confused.
- Having little appetite, losing weight.
- Having frequent forgetfulness.
- Suddenly not feeling sleepy.
- Neglecting physical appearance.
Warning signs of psychotic disorders in adolescents
Each person has their own warning signs, and they appear in a different order. Developing a relapse profile with the healthcare team can be helpful. This is usually done by recalling the last episode and identifying the initial warning signs, since relapse symptoms are often very similar to those experienced during the first episode.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
Once warning signs have been identified and documented, it is important for the affected person to participate in developing an action plan together with clinical professionals and with the involvement of their family. This will allow them to have more control over relapses and even prevent them from occurring. If, despite this, the person relapses, it does not mean they have failed. Using the relapse prevention plan regularly can help make relapses shorter or less disruptive to their life.
Developing an action plan will allow the affected person to have more control over relapses and even prevent them from occurring.
It is very important that the relapse prevention plan be individualized and should include both psychological strategies and pharmacological treatments.
What if I think I have symptoms of relapse?
If someone feels they are experiencing early warning signs, they shouldn't be afraid. They should consult their relapse prevention plan and see if their symptoms match those listed there. If so, they should follow the instructions they developed together with their care team and family . If they are unsure or very worried, they should talk to a member of their care team or a family member who participated in creating the relapse plan. Warning signs should never be ignored or left to disappear on their own.
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