Understanding Psychosis
A guide to what happens when people lose some contact with reality.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, get help immediately.
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear (hallucinations) and believing things that are not actually true (delusions). Experiencing the symptoms of psychosis is often referred to as having a psychotic episode.
Main Symptoms of Psychosis
Hallucinations
Where a person sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that do not exist outside their mind.
Delusions
A delusion is where a person has an unshakeable belief in something untrue. For example, a person with persecutory delusions may believe an organisation is making plans to hurt them, while a person with grandiose delusions may believe they have special powers.
Confused and Disturbed Thoughts
People with psychosis sometimes have disorganised patterns of thought. Signs include rapid and constant speech, switching topics mid-sentence, or a sudden loss in their train of thought.
Postnatal Psychosis
Postnatal psychosis (or puerperal psychosis) is a severe form of postnatal depression that can affect women after having a baby. It most commonly occurs in the first few weeks after birth and is more likely to affect women who already have a mental health condition like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Symptoms include those of psychosis, but can also include high moods (mania) or low moods (depression). It is considered a medical emergency, and you should contact a GP or call 999 if you are concerned about someone.
Causes and Treatment
Causes
Psychosis can be a symptom of a mental health condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also be triggered by a traumatic experience, severe stress, drug misuse, or physical conditions.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-psychotic medicine, talking therapies like CBT, and social support. It's crucial to get help as soon as possible as early treatment can be more effective.