Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them.
This might involve hallucinations or delusions.
Symptoms of psychosis.
The two main symptoms of psychosis are:
hallucinations – where a person hears, sees and, in some cases, feels, smells or tastes things that aren't there; a common hallucination is hearing voices
delusions – where a person has strong beliefs that aren't shared by others; a common delusion is someone believing there is a conspiracy to harm them.
The combination of hallucinations and delusional thinking can cause severe distress and a change in behaviour.
Experiencing the symptoms of psychosis is often referred to as having a psychotic episode.
When to seek medical advice.
You should see your GP immediately if you're experiencing symptoms of psychosis. It's important psychosis is treated as soon as possible, as early treatment can be more effective.
Your GP may ask you some questions to help determine what's causing your psychosis. They should also refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment.
Read more about diagnosing psychosis.
Getting help for others.
If you're concerned about someone you know, you could contact their GP. If they're receiving support from a mental health service, you could contact their mental health worker.
If you think the person's symptoms are placing them at possible risk of harm, you can:
take them to the nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department, if they agree
call their GP or local out-of-hours GP
call 999 and ask for an ambulance
A number of mental health helplines are also available, which can offer expert advice.
Causes of psychosis.
It's sometimes possible to identify the cause of psychosis as a specific mental health condition, such as:
schizophrenia – a condition that causes a range of psychological symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions..
bipolar disorder – a mental health condition that affects mood; a person with bipolar disorder can have episodes of low mood (depression) and highs or elated mood (mania)
severe depression – some people with depression also have symptoms of psychosis when they're very depressed.
Psychosis can also be triggered by:
a traumatic experience
stress
alcohol misuse
side effects of prescribed medication
a physical condition – such as a brain tumour
Treating psychosis.
Treatment for psychosis involves using a combination of:
anti psychotic medication – which can help relieve the symptoms of psychosis.
psychological therapies - have proved successful in helping people with psychosis; Family interventions (a form of therapy that may involve partners, family members and close friends) have been shown to reduce the need for hospital treatment in people with psychosis.
social support – support with social needs, such as education, employment, or accommodation.
After an episode of psychosis, most people who get better with medication need to continue taking it for at least a year.
Around 50% of people need to take long-term medication to prevent symptoms recurring.
If a person's psychotic episodes are severe, they may need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
Complications of psychosis.
People with a history of psychosis are more likely than others to have drug or alcohol misuse problems, or both.
Some people use these substances as a way of managing psychotic symptoms. However, substance abuse can make psychotic symptoms worse or cause other problems.
Self-harm and suicide.
People with psychosis have a higher than average risk of self-harm and suicide.
See your GP if you're self-harming.
You can also call the Samaritans, free of charge, on 116 123 for support. The mental health charity Mind also has some useful information and advice.
If you think a friend or relative is self-harming, look out for signs of unexplained cuts, bruises or cigarette burns, usually on the wrists, arms, thighs, and chest.
People who self-harm may keep themselves covered up at all times, even in hot weather.
If you're feeling suicidal, you can:
call the Samaritans support service on 116 123
go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you're feeling
contact the NHS 111 service
speak to a friend, family member, or someone you trust
make an urgent appointment to see your GP, psychiatrist, or care team.