Attenuated Psychosis

What is it?

Starting here

What is attenuated psychosis?

If you or your loved one is part of EASA's Clinical High Risk (CHR) program, you may hear the term attenuated psychosis used to describe the experiences being navigated.

According to the DSM-V, attenuated psychosis is "a syndrome characterized by psychotic-like symptoms that are below the threshold for full psychosis — the symptoms are less severe and more transient, and insight is relatively maintained."

In plain English: these symptoms can be new and alarming, but they do not mean you are experiencing psychosis.

What it can look like

Symptoms you might notice

Tap each card to see what it can look like. Most people only experience some of these, not all.

Changes in thinking

Shifts in how thoughts feel and move.

Examples
  • Confusion about what is real versus imaginary
  • Feeling a loss of control over your own thoughts
  • Feeling like your mind is playing tricks on you
  • Difficulty organizing thoughts or speech, or going off track when talking

Changes in how you feel around others

Shifts in trust, safety, and social connection.

Examples
  • Feeling that other people are watching or talking about you
  • Feeling mistrustful or suspicious of others
  • Loss of interest in activities and socializing

Changes in perception

Subtle sensory shifts — often brief, often knowing they aren't "real."

Examples
  • Hearing things, like whispering or ringing, that others don't hear
  • Seeing things like shadows or flashes out of the corner of the eye

Changes in daily functioning

How the above can ripple into everyday life.

Examples
  • Difficulty functioning at school, work, or home
Easing the fear

What attenuated psychosis isn't

APS, like many other conditions, is a warning sign. It does not automatically mean someone will go on to develop a more serious condition. It's difficult, sometimes scary — and it is not any of the things below.

Attenuated psychosis is not psychosis.
It is not schizophrenia, and it won't necessarily develop into schizophrenia.
It is not forever — early treatment can improve or clear symptoms.
It is not uncommon.
Tools you can use

Strategies that help

There are things you can do to cope with APS symptoms and keep them from growing. Below are simple strategies to support yourself or a loved one.

Use stress management strategies
Keep a steady routine
Build relationships with loved ones
Engage in meaningful activities
Set clear boundaries
Make healthy lifestyle choices

If you'd like guidance on any of these — or just want to talk to someone about what's been happening — EASA's team is there to help.

Want to talk with someone?

EASA's team can help you figure out what's going on and what kind of support might fit.

Contact EASA

Keep exploring: Psychosis Explained · Functional Changes