Modern understanding of psychosis increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many psychosis presentations.
The Nervous System in Psychosis
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to psychosis:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type psychosis
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by psychosis
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type psychosis
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Psychosis
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Psychosis
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving psychosis
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in psychosis