“Psychosis refers to a set of symptoms [with multiple potential causes], whereas schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that includes psychosis as one of its core features,” says Karla Molinero, MD, medical director of child and adolescent residential services at Brattleboro Retreat, a mental health treatment facility in Vermont.
It’s essential to know the difference in order to get effective treatment, says Harold Hong, MD, a psychiatrist and the medical director of New Waters Recovery, a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. “While both conditions need attention, the treatment approaches can vary significantly,” he says. “Misdiagnosing someone can lead to ineffective treatments and further complications, so accurate identification by mental health professionals is crucial.”
Here’s what to know about the symptoms of psychosis versus schizophrenia, the differences between the two, and treatment options for each.
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