Psychosis
Information on the signs, symptoms of psychosis and the support available.
Psychosis is a common illness that can affect anyone, but getting treatment early helps people to return to their normal lives.
Signs and symptoms:
Everybody experiences it in a different way but there are some common symptoms that can occur during an episode of psychosis. Not everyone will have all of the symptoms; they may have just one or two, but they will probably need some treatment as symptoms can be severe.
Here are some of the common symptoms:
- False Beliefs: A person may have strong beliefs or ideas that are not real to others. No matter what you say to try to show them their ideas are not real; these ideas are fixed in their mind and the person has difficulty believing they are fake. Some examples of this are people believing they have extraordinary powers, thinking they are being followed or that they are being communicated with through TV or the radio.
- Hallucinations: Hallucinations involve the five senses and affect the way in which a person interprets the world around them. A person may see, hear, taste, smell and feel things that simply aren't there. These experiences seem so real that they have difficulty believing otherwise.
- Confused Thinking: When a person experiences psychosis their thoughts can become confused and muddled up. It can be difficult to have a conversation with someone when this is happening because their speech can be confused and disorganised. Sometimes the person feels as though their thoughts are racing or that they are slowed down in some way.
- Changed Behaviour: It is often the changes in people’s behaviour that draws attention to the fact that they are unwell. The person may have difficulty performing usual activities like schoolwork, paid work or hobbies.
- They may become more socially withdrawn or isolated. Sometimes the person may behave in an unusual manner; if they believe they are being followed they may act suspiciously or seem to be frightened; if they are hearing voices they may seem to be talking to people that aren't there.
- Psychosis can be treated. The earlier you receive treatment the better. Your GP will know how to help.
What are the phases of psychosis?
Psychosis usually develops gradually over a period of time. It can happen that psychosis starts suddenly but this is not common, it generally occurs in three phases.
Early Warning Phase:
Adolescence is a time of change for everyone so it can be difficult to recognise the difference between changes that are happening during normal development and changes that occur because of psychosis developing. However, there are common early warning signs that may happen before a first episode of psychosis.
These changes may last for months but not everyone will experience all of the following "common signs":
- Reduced concentration
- Decreased motivation
- Depressed mood
- Sleep disturbance
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Suspiciousness
- Deterioration in functioning
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Odd beliefs/magical thinking
Acute Phase:
The acute phase is when the symptoms of psychosis begin to emerge and it is also known as the “critical period”. During this phase the person experiencing psychosis can become extremely upset about what is happening to them. They may behave in a manner that is so out of character that family members can become extremely concerned and may start to seek help. Before this stage the individual may have been experiencing a more gradual decline.
Recovery Phase:
With effective treatment most people will recover from their first episode of psychosis and may never have another episode. It is important to remember that psychosis is a treatable condition and if help is sought early, an individual may never suffer another episode. Initially, some of the symptoms that are apparent in the acute phase may linger in the recovery phase but with appropriate treatment most people successfully recover and return to their normal, everyday lives.
This information is developed by DETECT. DETECT aims to provide a dedicated service for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis and their families living in Cluain Mhuire, Elm Mount, Newcastle and for those attending St John of God's Hospital service. A thorough assessment as well as a range of social and psychological supports are provided.
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