Psychosis Factsheet
A useful info-graphic explaining psychosis, from Headspace in Australia
What is psychosis?
Psychosis impacts on the way a person understands their reality, such as seeing, hearing or believing things that others don’t. When people experience these symptoms, mental health professionals say they are having a psychotic episode. Psychotic episodes can vary in length, they can last for a few days, can continue indefinitely until they are treated or they can come and go.
A first episode of psychosis often happens in late adolescence or young adulthood. It can be very frightening but it’s important to remember that psychosis can be treated. It’s best to get advice and treatment early, as soon as people start experiencing symptoms.
What causes psychosis?
There is no one cause of psychosis. It can be a symptom of a serious mental health problems such as biploar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorder or severe depression. It can also be triggered by using recreational drugs, a side effect of some prescription medications, or from experiencing trauma, abuse, extreme stress or lack of sleep. Sometimes psychosis runs in families and is thought to have a genetic link.
How do I know if I have psychosis?
Psychosis isn’t a very common and just because you experience some of the symptoms below doesn’t mean you definitely have psychosis. Only trained professionals can make a diagnosis so if you are worried then see your GP as soon as possible.
Symptoms of psychosis:
What helps?
If you are worried that you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of psychosis it is important to get professional help as soon as possible. Psychosis is a treatable condition, but is unlikely to go away by itself without treatment.
Treatment for psychosis might include information and education about the condition and how to manage symptoms, counselling or therapy such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and medication. Medication can be very effective in treating psychosis. You should check out Headmeds for more information about antipsychotic medications.
How can I help myself?
Changes you can make yourself to help:
Myth: People with Psychosis are often violent or dangerous
Fact: While this is how psychosis is often portrayed in films and TV shows, actually people with psychosis are often very frightened and it is more likely that they will be the victim of violence or of harm to themselves than to anyone else.
Myth: A person with psychosis has a ‘split personality’
Fact: This is a myth created in popular culture. Having an episode of psychosis might mean that someone behaves strangely; sees, hears or smells that aren’t really there (Hullucinations); or has unusual beliefs and ideas about themselves or the world (delusions) which are sometimes very frightening and confusing. Psychosis is a treatable illness and it is important that prople are encouraged to get help as soon as possible.