Involutional psychosis is a mental disorder that typically affects middle-aged or elderly individuals. The spelling of the word "involutional" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [ˌɪnvəˈluːʃənəl]. The stressed syllable is "lu," represented by the IPA symbol [uː], and the "v" and "l" sounds are pronounced together, as in the word "clever." The ending "-al" is pronounced with a schwa sound [əl], making the word appear longer than it is. Involutional psychosis is characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking.
Involutional psychosis is a psychological disorder characterized by psychiatric symptoms that occur during the later stages of life, specifically after middle age. It is considered a subtype of psychotic disorders and is primarily associated with a decline in cognitive functions and emotional disturbances. Common symptoms of involutional psychosis include delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and disorganized thinking.
The term "involution" refers to the natural process of aging and its impact on the brain's structure and functions. Involutional psychosis is believed to be caused by the physiological changes that occur in the brain as individuals grow older. These changes may involve decreased blood flow, diminished neurotransmitter activity, and alterations in neuronal pathways.
The exact cause of involutional psychosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to have a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Past psychiatric history, hormonal changes, chronic stress, and physical illnesses are among the factors that may contribute to its development.
Treatment for involutional psychosis generally involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to manage psychotic symptoms, while antidepressants or anxiolytics may be utilized to address mood disorders. Psychotherapy can help patients cope with their symptoms, provide support, and enhance their overall functioning.
It is important to note that involutional psychosis is a relatively rare disorder, and diagnoses should be made by trained mental health professionals based on a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and other relevant factors.
Mental disturbance occurring at the menopause or, in either sex, in the senescent or senile period.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "involutional psychosis" is derived from two components: "involutional" and "psychosis".
- "Involutional" comes from the Latin word "involūtiō" which means "a rolling up" or "a turning inward". In the context of involutional psychosis, it refers to the natural process of decline or regression that occurs in some mental disorders during middle age or later.
- "Psychosis" originates from the Greek word "psȳ́khē" meaning "soul", "mind", or "life", combined with "-ōsis", a suffix indicating a medical condition. It refers to a mental state characterized by a loss of contact with reality, often associated with hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and behavior.