Psychosis explained

Approximately three in 100 people will experience a psychotic episode at some point in their life. Some people only experience a few episodes of psychosis or a brief episode that lasts for a few days or weeks. Others will experience symptoms more frequently, in association with a longer term illness such as schizophrenia. The first episode of psychosis usually occurs in a person’s late teens or early 20s.

Psychotic symptoms

Confused thinking and psychosis

In psychosis, the everyday thoughts that enable us to lead our daily lives become confused. People with psychosis may believe:

• Their thoughts are being interfered with
• They can influence the thoughts of others
• Other people can read their thoughts.

These disturbances in thinking can impair a person’s ability to concentrate, remember things and to make plans. These effects can persist, even after the psychotic episode has subsided.

Delusions and psychosis

Delusions are false beliefs that are not shared by others. Delusions can take various forms:

• Paranoid delusion – for example, the person believes they are being watched and singled out for some harmful purpose.
• Grandiose delusion – for example, the person believes they have special powers or that they are an important religious or political figure.
• Depressive delusion – for example, the person believes they are guilty of some terrible crime.

Hallucinations and psychosis

A hallucination is when someone hears, sees, smells or tastes something that isn’t there. A common form of hallucination is to hear voices that aren’t there. Hallucinations can lead to agitation, distress and even hostility.

Low motivation and psychosis

The effect of psychotic symptoms on the brain can make it difficult for a person to translate thought into action. They may become very lethargic (sluggish). Even getting up in the morning or doing the dishes may feel like impossible hurdles.

Changed feelings

Psychosis can lead to changes in emotions. It may become difficult for the person to:

• Communicate their feelings
• Distinguish what their emotions are
• Know how to react to things.

Types of psychotic illness

There are many factors which can produce psychotic symptoms. Some examples are:

• Brief reactive psychosis – psychotic symptoms lasting less than a month and due to a very stressful event.
• Drug induced psychosis – caused by drugs like speed, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy or magic mushrooms. The symptoms last until the effects of the drugs wear off (hours or days).
• Schizophrenia – most people affected by schizophrenia experience a range of psychotic symptoms and commonly have difficulty organising their thoughts.
• Bipolar disorder - involves very extreme moods (either very high or very low) that can lead to psychotic symptoms.
• Severe depression – depression can be so intense that it causes psychotic symptoms.

What causes psychosis?

The causes of psychosis are not fully understood. It is likely that psychosis is caused by a combination of hereditary and other factors. Psychosis may be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stress and certain drugs (for example, marijuana, speed or LSD) can trigger the first episode of psychosis.

Diagnosis of psychosis

When someone experiences an episode of psychosis, a full medical examination is required. A period of observation by a team of mental health professionals will be necessary (either in the home or in hospital). Psychosis caused by drugs or other diseases will be checked for first.

Treatment for psychosis

Treatment can do much to relieve, or even eliminate, the symptoms of psychosis. Treatments include:

• Medication – certain medications help the brain to restore its normal chemical balance.
• Community support programs – ongoing support is needed to help a person with psychosis to keep living independently in the community. Support may include help with accommodation, finding suitable work, and assistance with the development of social and personal skills.

A long period of convalescence from an episode (weeks, months or even longer) may be needed.

Where to get help

• SANE Helpline. Tel. 1800 18 SANE (7263)
• Your doctor.

Things to remember

• People experiencing psychosis are unable to distinguish what is real.
• Psychosis is associated with a number of illnesses that affect the brain.
• Medication and community support can relieve, or even eliminate, psychotic symptoms.

You might also be interested in:

• Antipsychotic medications explained.
  
• Bipolar disorder.
  
• Cannabis and psychosis.
  
• Mental illness prevalence.
  
• Suicide and mental illness explained.
  

Want to know more?

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Last reviewed: December 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Psychosis_explained?open">Psychosis explained - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Psychosis is associated with illnesses that affect the brain (for example, schizophrenia). People affected by psychosis can experience delusions, hallucinations and confused thinking. Medication and community support can relieve, or even eliminate, psychotic symptoms.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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