Ask a doctor - Can gaslighting cause psychosis?

Q. Can gaslighting cause psychosis?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Yes, gaslighting can be a contributing factor to psychosis in some individuals. Psychosis is defined as a loss of contact with reality typically marked by hallucinations or delusions, and it can have many different causes.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that deliberately induces feelings of distress, self-doubt, confusion and insecurity in its victims over an extended period. It has been used as both a tool of interpersonal abuse and political influence in order to shape the beliefs and behaviors of those targeted by it. Gaslighting has been linked to persistent negative emotions such as anxiety and depression which can increase the risk for psychotic episodes if left unchecked over time. Additionally, the way gaslighters strategically twist facts or deny truth can make someone question their perception or memory which could further damage their mental wellbeing leading to increased vulnerability for possible psychotic episodes.

Although there is no direct evidence linking gaslighting directly with psychosis, studies have shown that people who experience long-term stress related symptoms are more likely to experience psychotic events later on due to how prolonged stress affects neurobiological functions like cortisol production and affecting brain chemistry overall; making them more prone towards unrealistic thoughts/beliefs and diminishing their ability to discern reality from fantasy which could eventually lead into full blown psychosis if not addressed properly with professional help. Therefore it’s important that people be aware when they are being subjected to any kind of psychological manipulation so they may take proactive steps against it before serious consequences arise from it down the line due its cumulative effects on one’s mental health overtime.