Psychosis
Psychosis
Psychosis is a serious mental health condition, and it's fairly common too.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
If someone has symptoms of psychosis and needs urgent treatment, phone 999 or go to A&E right away.
SAMH has information and guidance for friends and family of someone diagnosed with psychosis. This includes advice on how to look after yourself while you're supporting someone else.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
If someone has symptoms of psychosis and needs urgent treatment, phone 999 or go to A&E right away.
SAMH has information and guidance for friends and family of someone diagnosed with psychosis. This includes advice on how to look after yourself while you're supporting someone else.
Causes
What causes psychosis?
Sometimes psychosis develops because of a specific mental health condition, such as:
- schizophrenia, which can cause a range of symptoms including hallucinations and delusions
- bipolar disorder, which affects mood and can lead to periods of depression and mania
- severe depression
Psychosis can also be brought on by:
- a traumatic experience
- stress
- drug misuse
- alcohol misuse
- a physical condition, such as a brain tumour or dementia
- a side effect of a prescribed medicine
- a head injury
- childbirth
How often a psychotic episode happens and how long it lasts can depend on what caused it.
Postnatal psychosis
Postnatal psychosis is a severe form of postnatal depression, a type of depression some women experience after having a baby. It often develops during the first few weeks after childbirth.
Women who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, are more likely to experience postnatal psychosis.
Talk to your doctor if you or someone else has symptoms of postnatal psychosis, such as:
- talking and thinking too much or too quickly
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- trouble sleeping
- hallucinations
- delusions
Call 999 right away if someone is in immediate danger or at risk of harm.
Diagnosis
If you have psychotic episodes, contact your GP practice straight away, since early treatment makes a real difference. Your GP may ask a few questions to understand what could be causing it, then refer you to a mental health specialist for closer assessment and care.
Treatment
Treatment for psychosis usually combines a few approaches together:
- anti-psychotic medication
- psychological therapies, including talking therapies
- social support
Some people need to stay on anti-psychotic medication long-term to manage their symptoms. Never stop taking your medication suddenly, since this can bring your symptoms back.
If a psychotic episode is severe, admission to a psychiatric hospital may be needed for treatment.
Your care is usually coordinated by a team of mental health professionals working together. After a first psychotic episode, you may be referred to an early intervention team.
Early intervention teams
An early intervention team is made up of healthcare professionals who work with people who have had their first episode of psychosis. Depending on what care you need, these teams aim to provide:
- a full assessment of your symptoms
- prescriptions for medications
- psychological services
- social, occupational, and educational support
Complications
Some people turn to drugs or alcohol hoping it will ease the symptoms of psychosis, but this often makes things worse or brings on new problems.
People living with psychosis also face a higher risk of self harm or suicide. If you are hurting yourself, please talk to your GP practice about it.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, there are things you can do right now:
- talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member
- phone 111 and choose the mental health option
- ask for an urgent appointment at your GP practice
- reach out to your mental health team, if you already have one
You can also learn more about coping with suicidal thoughts and getting through them.
When reaching out for help, avoid sharing personal details such as your name, location, or specific health conditions.