Psychosis

Psychosis is a common and serious mental health problem.

The main symptoms of psychosis are:

• hallucinations: you might see, hear, feel, taste or smell things that aren't real, or hear voices
• delusions: you might believe things that are untrue, and this can often lead someone to believe that another person is trying to harm them
• disordered thinking or speaking: speech may become quicker or non-stop, or you may switch from one topic to another in the middle of a sentence

These symptoms often occur together in what is known as a psychotic episode.

People who have psychotic episodes are often unaware their behaviour is unusual. The symptoms are usually frightening or disturbing.

During a psychotic episode, most people don't realise they are ill. Their friends and family may not understand why they are reacting so strongly to things they can't see or hear.

• someone has symptoms of psychosis and they need urgent treatment

SAMH has information and guidance for the friends and family of someone who has been diagnosed with psychosis. This includes advice on how to look after yourself while you're supporting someone else.

Sometimes psychosis is caused by a specific mental health condition, such as:

• schizophrenia, which causes a range of psychological symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions
• bipolar disorder, which affects mood and can cause periods of depression and mania
• severe depression

Psychosis can also be triggered by:

• a traumatic experience
• stress
• drug misuse
• alcohol misuse
• a physical condition, like a brain tumour or dementia
• a side effect of a prescribed medicine
• head injury
• childbirth

How often a psychotic episode happens and how long it lasts can depend on the underlying cause.

Postnatal psychosis is a severe form of postnatal depression, which is a type of depression some women go through after having a baby. It often starts in the first few weeks after the birth.

Women who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, are more likely to be affected by postnatal psychosis.

Talk to a doctor or phone the 16263 health line if you or someone else has symptoms of postnatal psychosis, like:

• talking and thinking too much or too quickly
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• trouble sleeping
• hallucinations
• delusions

Phone 999 if someone is at immediate risk of danger or harm.

If you have psychotic episodes, see a doctor straight away. Psychosis needs to be treated as soon as possible.

The doctor may ask you some questions to help work out what's causing your psychosis. They should then refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment.

Treatment for psychosis usually combines three things:

• anti-psychotic medicine
• psychological therapies, including talking therapies
• social support

Some people have to take anti-psychotic medicine long-term to keep their symptoms under control. Don't suddenly stop taking your medicine, because your symptoms may return.

If your psychotic episodes are severe, you may need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.

Your treatment is likely to be coordinated by a team of mental health professionals who work together. If this is your first psychotic episode, you may be referred to an early intervention team.

Some people use drugs and alcohol to try to manage the symptoms of psychosis. But this can make the symptoms worse or cause other problems.

People with psychosis are at a higher risk of self harm or suicide.

If you're self-harming, speak to your doctor.

If you're feeling suicidal, you can:

• speak to someone you trust, like a friend or family member
• phone the 16263 health line about your mental health
• make an urgent appointment with your doctor
• if you have one, contact your mental health team