For people living with schizophrenia, there can be long stretches of stability — but sometimes, symptoms return suddenly and powerfully. These surges are known as acute psychotic episodes.
During an episode, a person may experience delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or disorganized thinking. These aren’t just “bad days” — they can disrupt reality and require hospitalization to keep the person and those around them safe.
Acute psychosis is not a personal failure. It’s a part of the condition, and it deserves understanding, compassion, and proper medical attention.
Psychotic episodes can look different from person to person, but common signs include:
Sudden increase in paranoia or suspicious thoughts
Believing in things that aren’t real (delusions)
Hearing or seeing things others don’t (hallucinations)
Speaking incoherently or jumping rapidly between ideas
Intense agitation, aggression, or withdrawal
Neglecting personal hygiene or self-care
Trouble distinguishing reality from imagination
Sometimes, a person doesn’t realize what’s happening during an episode. That’s why caregivers, friends, and medical teams play a vital role in spotting early warning signs.
Acute episodes can be triggered by a range of factors, such as:
Stopping or changing medication
High stress levels
Lack of sleep
Substance use
Gradual symptom buildup
Relapse doesn’t mean a person is "broken" or "beyond help." It’s a medical situation — and like any serious health event, it needs appropriate intervention.
When someone enters an acute episode, hospitalization is often necessary. Inpatient care allows for:
Medication adjustments
Constant monitoring
Crisis management
Rebuilding safety and stability
It’s not about punishment or taking control away — it’s about protecting the person’s well-being during a vulnerable time.
For many people with schizophrenia, existing medications don’t always provide consistent relief or come with difficult side effects. That’s why researchers are exploring new treatment options — including medications that work differently from traditional antipsychotics.
One area of research focuses on non-D2 receptor mechanisms, which may help manage symptoms without the same side effects often seen with older medications.
Segal Trials is currently participating in a clinical research study evaluating an investigational medication for adults with schizophrenia who are currently experiencing an acute episode.
To qualify, individuals must:
Be between 18 and 65 years old
Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia
Show symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking
All care takes place in a safe, inpatient setting, and participants are closely monitored by trained medical professionals.
📍 To learn more, visit: SegalTrials.com