Psychosis

If someone becomes very confused and appears out of touch with everyone else’s perception of the world they may be experiencing a psychotic episode. They may:

  • Show very strange behaviour
  • Feel paranoid, others are out to get me
  • Seem to have odd & very mixed up thinking
  • Believe they are someone else
  • Hear or see things that aren’t there
  • Appear out of touch with reality
  • Seem withdrawn and emotionally flat

Psychosis is treatable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Psychosis

Some drugs such as hallucinogens, marijuana and amphetamines may trigger a psychotic episode. Treatment of psychosis usually involves medication, and if someone is experiencing a psychotic episode it is important that they seek help from a doctor, psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness characterised by disturbances in a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour. It affects approximately one in every hundred people worldwide. There are a number of signs and symptoms. These are divided into two groups: ‘active symptoms’, that reflect new or unusual forms of thought and behaviour such as delusions; and; ‘passive symptoms’, which reflect a loss of previous feelings and abilities.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the following symptoms, contact your GP:

  • Hallucinations
  • Strange and disorganised thinking or behaviour
  • Hearing voices that may not be heard by anyone else
  • Having difficulty in knowing what is real and what is not real
  • Experiencing paranoia
  • Feeling down, losing energy and interest in life
  • Having difficulty speaking

For Further Information

Psychosis

If someone becomes very confused and appears out of touch with everyone else’s perception of the world they may be experiencing a psychotic episode. They may:

Psychosis

Some drugs such as hallucinogens, marijuana and amphetamines may trigger a psychotic episode. Treatment of psychosis usually involves medication, and if someone is experiencing a psychotic episode it is important that they seek help from a doctor, psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness characterised by disturbances in a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour. It affects approximately one in every hundred people worldwide. There are a number of signs and symptoms. These are divided into two groups: ‘active symptoms’, that reflect new or unusual forms of thought and behaviour such as delusions; and; ‘passive symptoms’, which reflect a loss of previous feelings and abilities.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the following symptoms, contact your GP:

  • Hallucinations
  • Strange and disorganised thinking or behaviour
  • Hearing voices that may not be heard by anyone else
  • Having difficulty in knowing what is real and what is not real
  • Experiencing paranoia
  • Feeling down, losing energy and interest in life
  • Having difficulty speaking

For Further Information