Psychotic-like experiences, including feelings of suspicion and bizarre thoughts, are frequently seen in young people who are referred for psychiatric help. These symptoms are typically linked to depression and self-harming behaviors. Experts stress the need for thorough assessment of these experiences as part of care for adolescents.
Psychotic-like experiences can mimic psychosis symptoms, but they are less intense, occur less often, and are more prevalent than actual psychotic disorders. While these experiences do not result in a psychosis diagnosis, they can still cause significant disruption, anxiety, or impair a person’s ability to function well. Common examples include altered perceptions, hallucinations, paranoid thoughts, delusions, and strange or odd ideas.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital found that psychotic-like experiences are quite common among adolescents receiving psychiatric care. However, most adolescents viewed these experiences as relatively normal, with only a few finding them frightening, concerning, or harmful. The study revealed a strong connection between psychotic-like experiences and symptoms of depression. This correlation did not stem from individual symptoms but from broader measures of paranoia and unusual thoughts. Besides depression, paranoid thoughts and odd thinking patterns were linked to self-harming behaviors.
Integrating questions about psychotic-like experiences into care
The results of the study indicate that healthcare providers should routinely investigate psychotic-like experiences in all adolescents who seek psychiatric help. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand how distressing or harmful these experiences are perceived to be. Special attention should be given to assessments focusing on strange thoughts and heightened suspicion, as these issues may go unnoticed without careful questioning.
“Our results offer a strong recommendation for treatment practices: psychotic-like experiences need to be evaluated as part of standard procedures, with particular emphasis on understanding the individuals’ perceptions. These situations are unlikely to be identified unless they are specifically and systematically addressed,” states the lead researcher, Docent Niklas Granö.
It’s important for adolescents and their families to understand that these symptoms are common and often manageable. Furthermore, even short cognitive therapy interventions can help young people comprehend their symptoms and reduce the distress they cause.
“In Finland, the assessment and treatment of adolescent mental health has been severely lacking in resources. The recent establishment and development of new wellbeing service areas presents a significant opportunity to enhance psychiatric care for young people by taking into account the assessment and possible treatment—in even brief formats—of common symptoms that are usually overlooked,” adds Granö.
