Psychosis can be frightening—both for the person experiencing it and for those around them. When reality blurs and disorganized thinking takes over, knowing what to do becomes critical. But is psychosis a medical emergency? The answer depends on the situation. While some people can manage early symptoms with outpatient support, others may reach a level of crisis that requires immediate medical intervention and specialized psychosis treatment.
Whether you’re in crisis or seeking preventative support, understanding the options can help you take the next step forward with clarity and confidence.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition in which a person loses touch with reality. It can involve hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or sensing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs that are firmly held), disorganized speech, or severe paranoia. These symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the underlying cause.
Psychosis can result from various conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, trauma, extreme stress, substance use, or medical issues. In some cases, substance-induced psychosis occurs when drug or alcohol use triggers hallucinations or delusions that typically resolve after the substance leaves the body. Some people may experience a single episode, while others may need long-term support.
When Does Psychosis Become a Medical Emergency?
If you’re wondering, “Is psychosis a medical emergency?”, these indicators can help you understand the severity of the situation.
Threats of Self-Harm or Suicide
If a person experiencing psychosis expresses a desire to end their life or talks about harming themselves, it’s a psychiatric emergency. These thoughts may feel very real and urgent to the individual, even if they’re based on delusions. Immediate intervention is essential to prevent irreversible harm.
Violent or Aggressive Behavior
When someone becomes physically aggressive or threatening, especially without clear cause, emergency support is needed. Psychosis can distort perception, leading to impulsive or violent actions toward others. Protecting everyone’s safety, including the individual’s, is the top priority.
Inability to Distinguish Reality
Severe delusions or hallucinations that interfere with judgment signal a need for immediate care. If a person cannot tell what’s real, they may respond to internal voices or beliefs in dangerous ways. This disconnect often leads to unpredictable behavior.
Extreme Paranoia or Fear
Paranoia may cause someone to believe others are out to harm them, even loved ones or strangers. These fears can lead to erratic, defensive, or isolating behavior. If paranoia escalates to the point of emotional or physical risk, it becomes an emergency.
Complete Social Withdrawal
While some withdrawal is common during mental distress, total isolation can indicate a grave disability. If someone stops communicating, won’t eat, and avoids all contact, they may be unable to care for themselves. This level of detachment calls for immediate evaluation.
Refusal to Eat, Drink, or Sleep
A person in psychosis may believe food or water is poisoned or feel too overwhelmed to rest. Prolonged refusal of basic needs can lead to serious medical complications. When someone’s physical health begins to decline, emergency care is necessary.
Disorganized or Incoherent Speech
Rapid, fragmented, or nonsensical speech may be a sign of cognitive disconnection. If someone cannot hold a basic conversation or seems unaware of their surroundings, they may be experiencing acute psychosis. This level of disorientation requires urgent stabilization.
Self-Neglect or Unsanitary Conditions
If a person is living in filth, refusing to bathe, or ignoring all hygiene, they may be gravely disabled by their mental state. Severe neglect can create health hazards and worsen psychiatric symptoms. Intervention helps ensure their basic needs are met safely.
Wandering, Running Away, or Getting Lost
Psychosis can cause disorganized thinking that leads people to wander into unsafe environments. If someone goes missing, leaves home unexpectedly, or gets lost, they may need protection from external dangers. These situations call for swift action to locate and stabilize them.
Sudden Changes in Mood or Behavior
A rapid shift from calm to agitated, happy to fearful, or alert to detached can indicate a mental health emergency. These fluctuations often suggest the person is overwhelmed by internal stimuli. Quick access to psychiatric care can prevent further escalation.
Treatment for Delusional Disorder
Delusional disorder involves persistent false beliefs that don’t reflect reality and can be difficult to recognize. Treatment in non-emergency situations may include antipsychotic medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling to improve insight and reduce distress. However, if delusions lead to dangerous behavior, extreme paranoia, or refusal to care for basic needs, it may become a medical emergency. In these cases, a legal intervention such as a 5150 psychiatric hold in California may be necessary to protect the person’s safety and begin treatment.
What Is a 5150 Hold in California?
A 5150 hold in California is a legal procedure that allows certain professionals to place an individual under involuntary psychiatric care for up to 72 hours. This occurs when a person is considered a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or is gravely disabled due to a mental health condition.
A 5150 can be initiated by law enforcement, a licensed therapist, or a designated mental health professional. Once activated, the individual is transported to a psychiatric facility for evaluation and stabilization. During the hold, they have rights, including the right to contact an advocate, make phone calls, and request a hearing.
While the 5150 process is designed to protect safety, it is not appropriate in every case. It should be used when someone truly lacks insight into their condition and cannot keep themselves safe. The process can be distressing, so compassion and clear communication are essential throughout.
Knowing your rights and the rights of your loved one can help reduce fear and stigma. After the hold, continued treatment is usually needed, including outpatient therapy, medication, and support for reintegration.
How We Help Individuals in Crisis at Neurish Wellness
At Neurish Wellness, a luxury mental health treatment center and crisis stabilization unit, we understand that psychosis and psychiatric emergencies are not isolated events. They are often the result of accumulated stress, trauma, or untreated mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and prodromal schizophrenia. Our treatment approach is rooted in compassion, clarity, and customized care.
We provide:
- Individualized treatment plans based on each client’s mental health needs
- Coordination with psychiatrists and care providers to ensure appropriate treatment
- Safe, supportive care for individuals post-crisis or in need of stabilization
- Holistic tools that promote long-term recovery and emotional resilience
Whether you’re recovering from an acute episode or seeking support to prevent one, we’re here to walk alongside you with expert care and deep respect.
Reach Out to Neurish Wellness
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re navigating a psychiatric emergency or the aftermath of a 5150 hold, Neurish Wellness in Orange County is here to support you with personalized, upscale mental health care. We believe in honoring each person’s story while offering clear paths to healing and recovery.
Our trauma-informed, compassionate care helps you regain a sense of stability, clarity, and peace. Contact us today to take the next step toward a stronger, safer, and more supported future.
FAQs About Psychosis and Emergency Care
Is psychosis a medical emergency?
Yes, if someone is at risk of harm or unable to function due to psychosis, immediate medical help is needed.
How to get out of psychosis naturally?
Mild symptoms may ease with rest, hydration, stress reduction, and social support. But if symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.
What is acute psychosis treatment like?
It often includes hospitalization, psychiatric evaluation, medication, and safety monitoring until symptoms stabilize.
What is a 5150 hold in California?
A 5150 hold is a legal, 72-hour psychiatric hold for individuals who are a danger to themselves, others, or are gravely disabled.
Can delusional disorder be treated outside the hospital?
Yes, in many cases. When it comes to delusional disorder treatment, outpatient therapy and medication can help manage symptoms if safety is not a concern.
© Neurish Wellness 2024
CONTACT US
Phone: (866) 525 5197
Email: info@neurishwellness.com
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services:
License #: MHBT210368 | Expiration Date: 10/13/2025
© Neurish Wellness 2024
CONTACT US
Phone: (866) 525 5197
Email: info@neurishwellness.com
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services:
License #: MHBT210368 | Expiration Date: 10/13/2025
© Neurish Wellness 2024
CONTACT US
Phone: (866) 525 5197
Email: info@neurishwellness.com
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services:
License #: MHBT210368 | Expiration Date: 10/13/2025
Cole Dyar is the Executive Director & co-founder of Neurish Wellness. He has been working in the behavioral health field in operational, clinical, organizational, and managerial capacities for thirteen years. He holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology including: Organizational Leadership and Design, a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a doctoral candidate in MFT with an emphasis in Systemic Administration & Entrepreneurship.