Psychosis

Psychosis is a condition that affects someone’s ability to determine what is real or not. Symptoms can be very real and distressing to an individual suffering from psychosis. Approximately three per cent of people will have an episode of psychosis at some stage in their life, although a first episode usually occurs in adolescence or early adult life. People from all walks of life can suffer from psychosis and there can be a variety of causes.

There are many different symptoms of psychosis. Examples include:

• Having unrealistic thoughts that are distressing and won’t go away. Even when others say it isn’t true (i.e. constantly thinking that people are spying on you).
• Seeing, hearing, tasting, feeling or even smelling things that are not there.Having very disorganized thinking, speech and behaviour.
• Having great difficulty with motivation, lack of enjoyment, limited social interaction and decline in functioning.
• Other changes in thought processes, mood, sleep, and behaviour.

Psychosis is treated based on the specific cause. If there are certain physical conditions, medications or illicit drugs that are causing the symptoms then treatment targeted to the underlying cause is necessary.

Anti-psychotic medications are a mainstay of treatment and can help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of psychosis if symptoms are due to a mental illness such as schizophrenia.

Other treatments that can be helpful depending on specific symptoms and diagnosis include: connection and support from a mental health team, support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy, vocational therapy and counselling.

Self-care (e.g. eating a balanced diet, sleeping well at night, regular exercise, socialization and moderated alcohol and drug use) is also an important step in staying healthy. Support from family and friends can also be an important part of treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment in psychosis is very important, so seeking help as soon as symptoms arise is important.

For more information and other resources that may be of help please see below:

• Early psychosis intervention (EPI)
  Information about psychosis, assessments, managing psychosis and supporting someone who experiences psychosis.
• Psychosis treatment optimization program (PTOP)
  Community program that works with people whose medication is not working well to treat their psychotic illness.