The Audio Long Read ‘You tried to tell yourself I wasn’t real’: what happens when people with acute psychosis meet the voices in their heads?
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Nov 22, 2024 Jenny Kleeman, a journalist known for her insightful writing on mental health, dives into avatar therapy designed for those with acute psychosis. She shares the remarkable journey of patients like Joe, who confront their inner demons through innovative digital avatars. The conversation sheds light on the stigma surrounding mental health and the profound isolation faced by individuals battling tormenting voices. Kleeman also discusses the challenges of ongoing anxiety and the limitations of current treatments, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in mental health care.
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Joe's Psychosis Onset
- Joe's psychosis began after consuming cannabis edibles, leading to hallucinations and distress.
- His friends initially dismissed his experience as a 'bad trip', but the symptoms persisted.
Acute Psychosis Explained
- Psychosis, marked by disrupted reality and hallucinations, affects about 2-3% of people.
- Acute psychosis, like Joe's, can be drug-triggered in those predisposed.
Current Treatments and Limitations
- Hearing voices, often persecutory, is the most common form of psychosis.
- Current treatments like antipsychotics and CBT have limitations and side effects.