Psychosis Risk

Psychosis symptoms can severely impair your quality of life, relationships, and health. At Helix Neuropsychiatric Center in El Segundo, California, we offer comprehensive psychosis risk assessments for teens and young adults who experience unusual changes in their thinking and perceptions. Double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist Gil Hoftman, MD, PhD, uses the latest approaches to assess your risk factors for psychosis and also offers preventive therapies to protect your mental health. Call the office to schedule a psychosis risk consultation for yourself or your teen. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment today. 

What increases psychosis risk?

Psychosis describes a group of symptoms that affect the mind and disrupt a person’s perception of reality. During a psychotic episode, you experience hallucinations and delusions that make it difficult to differentiate what’s real from what isn’t.

Psychosis typically develops early in adulthood. However, other factors can increase your psychosis risk, including:

• Genetics
• Stress
• Trauma
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Severe depression
• Neurological disorders
• Substance use disorder

In older adults, psychosis risk can increase due to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Helix Neuropsychiatric Center offers in-office services to assess psychosis risk factors in adolescents and adults. Dr. Hoftman provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and makes resources available to help you understand your risks.

Why is it important to know your psychosis risk?

Schizophrenia and other conditions that trigger psychosis can be devastating, life-altering diseases for the individual and those who love them. Understanding your psychosis risk factors is critical to preventing psychotic episodes from occurring.

Dr. Hoftman works with adolescents and young adults who experience changes in their behavior and mood. These changes can include:

• Loss of control over thoughts
• Feeling suspicious of others
• Hearing sounds that other people can’t
• Difficulty organizing words or thoughts
• Seeing shadows or flashes in your peripheral vision

During your risk assessment, Dr. Hoftman reviews your personal and family medical histories. He also listens carefully as you describe your symptoms and experiences to determine if you’re a candidate for preventive therapies.

What happens after a psychosis risk assessment?

Helix Neuropsychiatric Center offers ongoing services for adolescents and young adults who are at risk for psychosis. Dr. Hoftman customizes your preventive care plan based on your unique health needs and life circumstances.

Preventive care for psychosis may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you recognize negative thoughts or behavior patterns so you can get the treatment you need. Dr. Hoftman may also prescribe medications to support your psychiatric health.

You may need regular follow-up visits with Dr. Hoftman to monitor your mental and emotional wellness. He also provides resources to educate and support those at increased risk for psychosis, their loved ones, and caregivers. 

Call Helix Neuropsychiatric Center to schedule a psychosis risk assessment, or book a consultation online today.