Psychosis
What is Psychosis?
Technically, psychosis isn't a condition in itself, but a set of symptoms which are caused by another condition. Psychosis, or psychotic symptoms can be caused by many different things, such as illegal drugs, severe untreated depression, physical illness such as infection, or by schizophrenia. However, regardless of the underlying cause, it is important to identify and treat psychotic symptoms as early as possible, as there is a lot of research showing that the earlier the psychosis is treated, the better the chances are of a full recovery.
What are the Symptoms of Psychosis?
- Hallucinations - seeing, hearing, touching, tasting or smelling things which are not real.
- Delusions - Fixed thoughts that are not real (such as believing you have special powers).
- Paranoia (such as thoughts that people are plotting to harm you).
- Thought disorder - thoughts quickly shifting from one topic to another, or feeling that your thoughts are not in your control.
These symptoms are usually very real to the person experiencing them, so it is very difficult, if not impossible to recognise these symptoms in yourself, so you may have to place some trust in the judgement of others.
Managing Psychosis
If you, or someone you care about, are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, speak to your GP as soon as possible. The sooner psychosis is identified and treated, the better chance there is of making a full recovery.