Psychosis
Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them.
This might involve hallucinations or delusions.
The main symptoms of psychosis are:
- Hallucinations – where a person hears, sees and, in some cases, feels, smells or tastes things that aren't there. A common hallucination is hearing voices.
- Delusions – where a person believes things that, when examined rationally, are obviously untrue, e.g. that their phone is bugged etc.
The combination of these can often severely disrupt perception, thinking, emotion, and behaviour. Experiencing the symptoms of psychosis is often referred to as having a psychotic episode. Psychosis isn't a condition in itself – it's triggered by other conditions.
Changes to look out for include:
Perception, thinking and speech changes- Things around them seem changed in some way
- Rapid speech that is difficult to interrupt
- Irrational statements
- Extreme preoccupation with religion or with the occult (usually this is a new change)
- Peculiar use of words or odd language structures
- Unusual sensitivity to stimuli (noise, light, colours, textures)
- Memory problems
- Severe distractibility
- Reduced speech/talking
Social Changes- Severe decline of social relationships
- Dropping out of activities – or out of life in general
- Social withdrawal, isolation, reclusiveness
- Unexpected aggression
- Extreme suspiciousness of other people
- Can’t seem to “read” social situations or interactions very well any longer
Emotional Changes
- Inappropriate laughter
- Inability to cry, or excessive crying
- Feelings of depression and anxiety
- Inability to express joy
- Euphoric (elated) mood
- Personality changes
Behavioural Changes- Odd or bizarre behaviour
- Feeling refreshed after much less sleep than normal
- Excessive writing that is difficult to understand
- Cutting oneself; threats of self-mutilation
- Deterioration of personal hygiene
- Hyperactivity or inactivity, or alternating between the two
- Staring without blinking – or blinking incessantly
- Agitation
- Severe sleep disturbances
- Drug or alcohol use (This may be a coping mechanism)
- Reckless behaviours that are out of character
- Strange posturing or gesturing
- Significantly decreased activity
- Difficulties functioning at school or work
When to seek support?
You should see your GP immediately if you're experiencing psychotic episodes. It's important psychosis is treated as soon as possible. Your GP will look at your symptoms and rule out short-term causes, such as drug misuse. They may ask you some questions to help determine what's causing your psychosis. For example, they may ask you:
- Whether you're taking any medication.
- Whether you've been taking illegal substances.
- How your mood has been – for example, whether you've been depressed.
- How you've been functioning day-to-day – for example, whether you're still going to school or working.
- Whether you have a family history of mental health conditions – such as schizophrenia.
- About your hallucinations – such as whether you've heard voices.
- About your delusions – such as whether you feel people are controlling you.
- Whether you have any other symptoms.
Your GP should refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment.
Getting help for someone else
People with psychosis often have a lack of insight. They're unaware that they're thinking and acting strangely.
Because of their lack of insight, it's often down to the friends, relatives, or carers of a person affected by psychosis to seek help for them.
If you're concerned about someone you know and think they may have psychosis, you could contact their GP. If you think the person's symptoms are placing them at possible risk of harm, you can:
- Take them to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, if they agree.
- Call their GP or a local out-of-hours GP.
- Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
A referral will be made in to CAMHS if felt necessary.
Recovery
Episodes of psychosis can be very short (up to a week) or can last longer. Psychosis can happen to anyone and like any other illness it can be treated. Most people will make a full recovery and the earlier someone gets help the more quickly and effectively the treatment can begin.