Psychosis
Psychosis is a state in which people perceive, hear or hold beliefs that aren’t real. Often, those experiencing it are unaware that their experiences are not real and remain convinced of their authenticity. About 1,600 new cases of psychosis are reported in Scotland each year.
Contrary to common beliefs, psychosis is not a separate condition. It’s a symptom that can be related to different mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar. The experience of psychosis varies in how long it lasts and how often it happens, from brief episodes to daily occurrences.
Psychosis has two main symptoms: hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations make individuals see or hear things that aren’t there, while delusions make them believe false things. However, it affects people differently. Some may feel tired or anxious and have trouble with their daily routine. Others may experience positive internal feelings and even come up with creative ideas. It’s not as uncommon as you think, as about 1,600 new cases of psychosis are reported in Scotland every year.
Common myths about psychosis
People with psychosis have multiple personalities or a “split personality”
Psychosis doesn’t change a person’s personality. People with psychosis usually act in line with their usual personality.
Psychosis makes
people violent
The vast majority of people with psychosis are not violent. Psychosis can make a person feel scared or confused, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to harmful behaviour.
It can’t happen to you
Psychosis can happen to anyone. It is estimated that 3% of people will experience it in their life.
Symptoms
There are three main symptoms associated with psychosis: hallucinations, delusions, and disturbed patterns of thought.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations involve one’s senses (sound, sight, touch, smell, and taste), particularly when someone perceives things that aren’t real. This could include:
- Hearing voices in your head
- Seeing people that aren’t there
- Feeling someone touching you who is not there
- Smelling something that others don’t
- Tasting something despite not having food in the mouth
Delusions
Delusions involve one’s beliefs, particularly when one’s beliefs are untrue. Some examples include:
- Feeling like you are being constantly followed or monitored by someone
- Thinking that you have supernatural powers or are a supernatural being
- Believing in conspiracies
Disturbed Thoughts
People with psychosis may have confusing and disturbing patterns of thought. This could include:
- Jumbled or incoherent speech
- Sudden thought interruptions
- Memory problems
- Difficulty taking in new information.
What causes psychosis?
Psychosis can be linked to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar. Studies have also shown that increased stress or going through trauma or bereavement could lead to the triggering of psychosis. Even having a family member or relative with psychosis makes one more likely to develop it.
Moreover, research shows that childhood trauma, especially sexual and physical abuse and emotional abuse and neglect, has been shown to lead to an increased risk for later development of symptoms of psychosis.
A psychotic episode may also be triggered by substance use. Stopping drug or alcohol use suddenly after a long consumption period can also lead to psychosis. The drugs that could lead to psychotic episodes include, but are not limited to:
- Cocaine
- LSD
- Crystal meth
- MDMA
Interestingly, people experiencing psychosis have a high chance of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Studies show that Urinary Tract Infections are 29 times more common in relapsed schizophrenia patients or those who experience psychosis.
Treatment
Treatment of psychosis typically includes antipsychotic medications, psychotherapeutic interventions and assistance from social support networks.
Medication
For individuals experiencing psychosis, the primary approach often involves prescribing antipsychotic medications. Additionally, your healthcare provider may consider offering antidepressants or medications designed to soothe the potential side effects of antipsychotic drugs.
When starting antipsychotic medication, your doctor will check your overall health, including your weight, blood pressure, and blood tests, to decide on the right medication and dosage.
It’s crucial to discuss medication choices with your doctor.
Therapy
Along with medication, people with psychosis often have therapy to help them understand their condition better. One popular form of therapy is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a form of psychotherapy aimed at enhancing your understanding of your experiences, as well as addressing any distressing or troubling thoughts and beliefs you may have.
There are other types of therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Peer Support or Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). The decision on which treatment to pursue typically depends on your particular requirements, preferences and the severity of your symptoms. In some cases, a combination of therapies and treatments may be suggested to ensure comprehensive care and support for those experiencing psychosis.
What should I do if I am experiencing psychosis?
Seek immediate help
Contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, call emergency services straight away. You can read more about it on NHS inform.
Inform a trusted person
Share your experience with a family member or friend. They can offer support and help you seek professional care. Having someone aware of your situation can provide an extra layer of safety.
Follow professional advice
Adhere strictly to your treatment plan, including taking any prescribed medication. Attend all therapy sessions and follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider. Consistent adherence to professional advice is essential for managing your symptoms effectively.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Engage in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet and ensure you get sufficient sleep. These habits can significantly support both your mental and physical wellbeing. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can worsen your symptoms.
support
Change Mental Health runs the Hearing Voices service in Tayside and Fife, to support people to live around their voices and other symptoms of psychosis. Our support pages share lived experience from our staff and people supported within the service and how we support people to develop strategies when coping with voices. Getting support or medical advice from your GP will make treatment more effective.
We have more information on hearing voices through our ‘A Guide to Voices and Sensory Disturbances’ resource.
contact
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
