Psychosis causes people to misinterpret or confuse what is going
on around them. For example, they may have hallucinations (in which
they see or hear things that are not real) or delusions (fixed, but
false, beliefs). A first episode of psychosis is most likely to
happen in late adolescence or in the early adult years. It is often
frightening for the person and misunderstood by others, but
psychosis can be treated and most people make a full recovery.
Without treatment, psychosis can seriously disrupt your life and
development, so it's important to get early help.
What are the symptoms of psychosis?
Confused thinking: Everyday thoughts can become
confused, making sentences unclear or hard to understand. You might
have difficulty concentrating, following a conversation or
remembering things. Thoughts can seem to speed up or slow down.
False beliefs (delusions): You strongly believe
something is real, but it's not. For example, you may believe the
way that cars are parked outside the house shows you are being
watched by the police.
Hallucinations: You can see, hear, feel, smell
or taste something that is not actually there.
Changed feelings: How you feel can change for
no obvious reason. You might feel strange and cut off from the
world, with everything moving in slow motion. Mood swings are
common, and you might feel unusually excited or depressed. You may
seem to feel less emotion, or show less emotion to those around
you.
Changed behaviour: You may be extremely active
or have difficulty getting the energy to do things, laugh when
things don't seem funny, or become angry or upset without any
cause.
What are the types of psychosis?
Psychosis can occur in a number of mental illnesses. Some
possibilities include:
Drug-induced psychosis: Using or withdrawing
from drugs, especially cannabis and amphetamines, can cause
psychotic symptoms that last for short or long periods
Brief reactive psychosis: Psychotic symptoms
appear suddenly after a major stress in the person's life. Recovery
is often quick
Schizophrenia: An illness in which the symptoms
have continued for at least six months. Many people with
schizophrenia lead happy and fulfilling lives, and many make a full
recovery
Bipolar disorder: People can experience
psychotic symptoms as part of this disorder
Psychotic depression: Psychotic symptoms can
occur in people with very severe depression
What causes psychosis?
Like lots of illnesses, psychosis is probably caused by a
combination of your genes (inherited from your parents) and the
things you are exposed to in your life (your environment, which
might include stress, drug use or severe social changes).
How do I get help?
Try to seek help as soon as possible if you have symptoms of
psychosis. Tell someone you trust such as a parent, teacher or
friend if you are having some strange experiences that you cannot
explain.
Safe and effective treatment for psychosis is easily available.
The earlier you seek help, the better the results and the quicker
your recovery. General practitioners (GPs) and clinicians at your
local mental health service will be able to provide the help you
need.
How is psychosis treated?
Treatments usually involve medication, education about the
illness, counselling, family support and practical support (such as
helping you get back to school or work). Avoiding drugs, reducing
stress and learning ways to cope with stress can help prevent the
symptoms from returning in the future.
How do I help someone else cope with psychosis?
Try to be calm and supportive as it can be frightening and
confusing to experience psychosis. If you are worried about a
friend or family member, seek help from your GP or local mental
health service, and encourage the young person to get professional
treatment as early as possible.
Practical help can assist a person to stay safe and feel secure.
This might mean helping them to pay bills or rent, or getting them
to medical appointments.
If someone is suggesting they will harm themselves, call your
mental health service or hospital to arrange urgent specialist
attention. Remember the person may be responding to things that are
real to them but do not make sense to you. There are support groups
for family and friends of people with psychosis.
For more information about how to get help see the getting help
section of the website.
This information was produced in conjunction with ORYGEN
Youth Health.