meetara-lab/vectorstore-mental_health huggingface dataset:
Understanding Psychosis

What is psychosis?

Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.

Who develops psychosis?

It is difficult to know the number of people who experience psychosis. Studies estimate that between 15 and 100 people out of 100,000 develop psychosis each year. 

Psychosis often begins in young adulthood when a person is in their late teens to mid-20s. However, people can experience a psychotic episode at younger and older ages and as a part of many disorders and illnesses. For instance, older adults with neurological disorders may be at higher risk for psychosis. 

What are the signs and symptoms of psychosis?
What are the signs and symptoms of psychosis?

People with psychosis typically experience delusions (false beliefs, for example, that people on television are sending them special messages or that others are trying to hurt them) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not, such as hearing voices telling them to do something or criticizing them). Other symptoms can include incoherent or nonsense speech and behavior that is inappropriate for the situation. 

However, a person will often show changes in their behavior before psychosis develops. Behavioral warning signs for psychosis include: • Suspiciousness, paranoid ideas, or uneasiness 

with others

• Trouble thinking clearly and logically

• Withdrawing socially and spending a lot more time alone • Unusual or overly intense ideas, strange feelings, or a 

lack of feelings 

• Decline in self-care or personal hygiene • Disruption of sleep, including difficulty falling asleep 

and reduced sleep time
lack of feelings 

• Decline in self-care or personal hygiene • Disruption of sleep, including difficulty falling asleep 

and reduced sleep time

• Difficulty telling reality from fantasy • Confused speech or trouble communicating • Sudden drop in grades or job performance

Alongside these symptoms, a person with psychosis may also experience more general changes in behavior that include: • Emotional disruption • Anxiety • Lack of motivation • Difficulty functioning overall

In some cases, a person experiencing a psychotic episode may behave in confusing and unpredictable ways and may harm themselves or become threatening or violent toward others. The risk of violence and suicide decreases with treatment for psychosis, so it is important to seek help. If you find that you are experiencing these changes in behavior or notice them in a friend or family member and they begin to intensify or do not go away, reach out to a health care provider.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has information on ways to get help and find a health care provider or access treatment at www.nimh.nih. gov/findhelp. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911. What causes psychosis?

There is no one cause of psychosis. Psychosis appears to result from a complex combination of genetic risk, differences in brain development, and exposure to stressors or trauma. Psychosis may be a symptom of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. However, a person can experience psychosis and never be diagnosed with schizophrenia or any other disorder.
For older adults, psychosis symptoms can be part of a physical or mental illness that emerges later in life. Psychosis can also be a symptom of some diseases of older age, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias.

Other possible causes of psychosis include sleep deprivation, certain prescription medications, and the misuse of alcohol or drugs. A mental illness, such as schizophrenia, is typically diagnosed by excluding these other causes. 

A qualified mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker) can provide a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis. Find tips to help prepare for and get the most out of your visit at www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips. For additional resources, including questions to ask your health care provider, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality at www.ahrq.gov/questions. 

How is psychosis treated?
How is psychosis treated?

Studies have shown that it is common for a person to have psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. Reducing this duration of untreated psychosis is critical because early treatment often means better recovery. A qualified psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker can make a diagnosis and help develop a treatment plan.

Treatment of psychosis usually includes antipsychotic medication. There are several different types of antipsychotic medications, and they have different side effects, so it is important to work with a health care provider to determine the medication that is most effective with the fewest side effects.
Treatment also often includes other elements. There is substantial research support for coordinated specialty care, which is a multi-element, recovery-oriented team approach to treating psychosis that promotes easy access to care and shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members. People experience better outcomes from coordinated specialty care if they begin treatment as soon as possible after psychotic symptoms emerge. 

Coordinated specialty care is now the standard of care for early psychosis, according to “The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia.” NIMH research on coordinated specialty care
The Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) research project, supported by NIMH, established coordinated specialty care as an effective treatment for early psychosis and identified important elements for helping people lead productive, independent lives. Learn more about the RAISE studies at www.nimh.nih.gov/raise. 

NIMH continues to prioritize research on and expansion of treatments for early psychosis with the launch of the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) in 2019. Through EPINET, NIMH funded awards to establish a national data coordinating center and regional scientific hubs connected to more than 100 coordinated specialty care programs that provide early psychosis treatment in 17 states. The EPINET website provides resources for researchers, health care providers, administrators, and people experiencing psychosis and their families. The website is found at https://nationalepinet.org.
Coordinated specialty care consists of multiple components: • Individual or group psychotherapy is tailored to a person’s 

recovery goals. Cognitive and behavioral therapies focus on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to build resilience and cope with aspects of psychosis while maintaining and achieving personal goals. • Family support and education programs teach 

family members about psychosis as well as coping, communication, and problem-solving skills. Family members who are informed and involved are more prepared to help loved ones through the recovery process. • Medication management (also called pharmacotherapy) means tailoring medication to a person’s specific needs by selecting the appropriate type and dose of medication to help reduce psychosis symptoms. Like all medications, antipsychotic medications have risks and benefits. People should talk with a health care provider about side effects,
medication costs, and dosage preferences (daily pill or monthly injection).

• Supported employment and education services focus 

on return to work or school, using the support of a coach to help people achieve their goals.

• Case management provides opportunities for people with psychosis to work with a case manager to address practical problems and improve access to needed support services. 

Learn more about the components of coordinated specialty care at www.nimh.nih.gov/raise. 

People with psychosis should be involved in their treatment planning and consulted in making decisions about their care. Their needs and goals should drive the treatment programs, which will help them stay engaged throughout the recovery process.
It is important to find a mental health professional who is trained in psychosis treatment and who makes the person feel comfortable. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is possible to recover from psychosis. Some people who receive early treatment never have another psychotic episode. For other people, recovery means the ability to lead a fulfilling and productive life, even if psychotic symptoms sometimes return.

Clinical trials studying psychosis and related disorders

NIMH supports a wide range of research, including clinical trials that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions, such as psychosis. The goal of a clinical trial is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although people may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, they should know that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others can be better helped in the future.
Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct clinical trials with people experiencing psychosis and healthy volunteers. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information and to find a clinical trial, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials. How can I find help?

NIMH does not endorse specific psychosis clinics or evaluate individual practitioners’ professional qualifications or competencies. However, several organizations are available to assist in finding a treatment program in your area. The following is not a comprehensive list of all programs, and a program’s inclusion on the list does not constitute an endorsement by NIMH. • Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA): EASA offers a National Early Psychosis Directory that lists early psychosis programs across the United States. The directory is available at www.easacommunity.org/national-directory.php.
For more information about EASA, visit www.easacommunity.org. 

• Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET): 

EPINET’s Early Psychosis Intervention Network Clinics provide treatment and services to individuals with early psychosis across 17 states. The list of states with early psychosis clinics is found at https://nationalepinet.org/epinet-clinics. 

For more information about EPINET, visit https://nationalepinet.org.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The NAMI HelpLine can connect you with the NAMI office in your state and help you find programs close to home. 

Find ways to get help at www.nami.org/help. 

Also, you can talk with someone at the NAMI HelpLine, Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. ET, by: 

■ Calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

■ Texting “HelpLine” to 62640

■ Emailing helpline@nami.org

For more information about NAMI, visit www.nami.org.

• Psychosis-Risk and Early Psychosis Program
■ Calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

■ Texting “HelpLine” to 62640

■ Emailing helpline@nami.org

For more information about NAMI, visit www.nami.org.

• Psychosis-Risk and Early Psychosis Program 

Network (PEPPNET): PEPPNET supports an Early Psychosis Program Directory that provides services to people at risk for or experiencing early psychosis. The directory is available at https://med.stanford.edu/ peppnet/interactivedirectory.html. 

For more information about PEPPNET, visit https://med.stanford.edu/peppnet. 

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA has an Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator for finding mental health treatment facilities and programs. Find a facility in your state at www.samhsa.gov/esmi-treatment-locator. 

For more information about SAMHSA, visit www.samhsa.gov. 

For more information

MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) https://medlineplus.gov (en español: https://medlineplus.gov/ spanish)
For more information

MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) https://medlineplus.gov (en español: https://medlineplus.gov/ spanish)

ClinicalTrials.gov www.clinicaltrials.gov (en español: https://salud.nih.gov/ investigacion-clinica) 

Reprints

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov www.nimh.nih.gov 

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy the images in the publication. If you use our information, please cite the National Institute of Mental Health. To learn more about reusing NIMH content, refer to www.nimh.nih.gov/reprints.

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NIH Publication No. 23-MH-8110 Revised 2023
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some people mostly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms. 

Symptoms begin in childhood and can interfere with daily life, including social relationships and school or work performance. ADHD is well-known among children and teens, but many adults also have the disorder. Effective treatments are available to manage symptoms. 

 What are the symptoms of ADHD?

People with ADHD may experience an ongoing pattern of:

 ► Inattention: Difficulty paying attention

 ► Hyperactivity: Showing too much energy or moving and talking too much

 ► Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control
► Inattention: Difficulty paying attention

 ► Hyperactivity: Showing too much energy or moving and talking too much

 ► Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control

Signs of inattention can include frequent difficulty with:

 ► Paying attention to details, leading to careless mistakes at school, work, or during other activities

 ► Concentrating on tasks or activities, for instance, while having conversations, taking tests, 

completing assignments, or reading papers

 ► Listening when spoken to directly

 ► Following instructions or finishing tasks at school, work, or home 

 ► Organizing tasks and activities, managing time, and meeting deadlines

 ► Completing tasks that require sustained attention, such as homework, large projects, and 

complicated forms 

 ► Losing things, such as backpacks, books, keys, wallets, and phones

 ► Getting easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
complicated forms 

 ► Losing things, such as backpacks, books, keys, wallets, and phones

 ► Getting easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli

 ► Forgetting about daily activities, such as chores, errands, and events, or other important things, like 

assignments, appointments, and phone calls

Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include often:

 ► Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming while seated

 ► Moving around when expected to remain seated, such as in the classroom or office, or feeling 

restless in these situations

 ► Running, climbing, or moving around at times when it is not appropriate 

 ► Being constantly “on the go” and acting as if driven by a motor

 ► Being unable to quietly play or take part in hobbies and activities 

 ► Talking excessively 

 ► Answering questions before they are fully asked or finishing other people’s sentences

 ► Struggling to wait or be patient, such as when playing a game or waiting in line
► Talking excessively 

 ► Answering questions before they are fully asked or finishing other people’s sentences

 ► Struggling to wait or be patient, such as when playing a game or waiting in line

 ► Interrupting or intruding on others, for example, in conversations, games, or meetings What causes ADHD?

Researchers are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other disorders, ADHD probably results from a combination of factors. 

In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at differences in brain development and neurobiology among people with ADHD compared to those without the disorder. They are also studying environmental factors that might increase the risk of developing ADHD, including brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments.

How is ADHD diagnosed? 

Based on their specific symptoms, a person can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD:
How is ADHD diagnosed? 

Based on their specific symptoms, a person can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD:

 ► Inattentive: Mostly symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity or impulsivity

 ► Hyperactive-impulsive: Mostly symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity but not inattention

 ► Combined: Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity

ADHD symptoms must begin in childhood (before age 12). Symptoms often continue into the teen years and adulthood. The criterion for a diagnosis differs slightly based on age. 

 ► Children up to 16 years must show at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and 

impulsivity, or both.

 ► Adults and youth over 16 years must show at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity 

and impulsivity, or both.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person’s symptoms must also:

 ► Occur for at least 6 months

 ► Be present in two or more settings (for example, at home, at work, in school, or with friends)
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person’s symptoms must also:

 ► Occur for at least 6 months

 ► Be present in two or more settings (for example, at home, at work, in school, or with friends)

 ► Interfere with or impair social, school, or work functioning

Stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A health care provider needs to do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of symptoms, make a diagnosis, and identify effective treatments.

Primary care providers sometimes diagnose and treat ADHD, or they may refer the person to a mental health professional. During an evaluation, a provider usually:

 ► Examines the person’s mental health and medical history, including their mood and past or current 

health conditions.
► Examines the person’s mental health and medical history, including their mood and past or current 

health conditions.

 ► Looks at the person’s current or, if an adult, childhood behavior and school experiences. To obtain this information, the provider may ask for permission to talk with family, friends, partners, teachers, and others who know the person well and have seen them in different settings to learn about behaviors and experiences at home, school, or elsewhere.

 ► Uses standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether the 

person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

 ► Administers psychological tests that look at cognitive skills, such as working memory, executive
person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

 ► Administers psychological tests that look at cognitive skills, such as working memory, executive 

functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, or reasoning. Such tests can help identify psychological or cognitive (thinking-related) strengths and challenges and identify or rule out possible learning disabilities. Does ADHD look the same in everyone?

Anyone can have ADHD. However, boys and men tend to display more hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, while girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD. 

ADHD can also be diagnosed at any age, although symptoms must have begun in childhood (before age 12). Adults with ADHD often have a history of problems with school, work, and relationships. 

ADHD symptoms may change as a person gets older.
ADHD symptoms may change as a person gets older. 

 ► Children show hyperactivity and impulsivity as the most common symptoms. As academic and social demands increase, symptoms of inattention often become more prominent and begin to interfere with academic performance and peer relationships. 

 ► Adolescents usually show less hyperactivity and may appear as restless or fidgeting. Symptoms of 

inattention and impulsivity typically continue and may cause academic, organizational, or relationship challenges. Teens with ADHD are more likely to engage in impulsive, risky behaviors, such as substance use and unsafe sexual activity. 

 ► Adults, including older adults, can show inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity, although, in 

some people, those symptoms become less severe and less impairing. They may also be irritable, have a low tolerance for frustration and stress, or experience frequent or intense mood changes.
some people, those symptoms become less severe and less impairing. They may also be irritable, have a low tolerance for frustration and stress, or experience frequent or intense mood changes. 

Some adults may not have been diagnosed with ADHD when younger because their teachers or family did not recognize the disorder, they had a mild form of the disorder, or they managed well until experiencing the demands of adulthood. But it is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and other mental health conditions that may co-occur with it. Effective treatment can make day-to-day life easier for people with ADHD and their families.

How is ADHD treated?

Although there is no cure for ADHD, current treatments may help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Common treatments for ADHD are medication, psychotherapy, and other behavioral interventions. For children, treatment often includes parent education and school-based programs.
Researchers are studying new treatments for people with ADHD, such as cognitive training and neurofeedback. These options are usually explored only after medication and psychotherapy have already been tried. For many people, treatment involves a combination of elements.

Medication Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, and research shows them to be highly effective. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals involved in thinking and attention. 

Like all medications, stimulants can have side effects and must be prescribed and monitored by a health care provider. Tell the provider about other medications you or your child are taking. Medications for common health problems, such as diabetes, anxiety, and depression, can interact with stimulants, in which case, a provider can suggest other medication options.
Health care providers sometimes prescribe nonstimulant medications like antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved these medications specifically for ADHD. Sometimes, a person must try several different medications or dosages before finding the one that works for them.

NIMH has information on stimulants and other mental health medications at www.nimh.nih.gov/ medications. You can learn more about specific medications, including the latest approvals, side effects, warnings, and patient information, on the FDA website at www.fda.gov/drugsatfda. Psychotherapy and behavioral interventions Psychological interventions for ADHD can take many forms and be combined with medication and other elements for parents, families, and teachers. Adding therapy to an ADHD treatment plan can help some people better cope with daily challenges, gain confidence, or manage impulsive and risky behaviors.