Psychosis - What are the early symptoms?

Hearing Voices…Frightened…Acting differently…Change in sleeping habits…Withdrawn…Irritable…Change in eating habits…Anxious…Confused…

Sound familiar?

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

There are several possible reasons for experiencing these problems. The most important thing to so is to talk to your doctor or someone you trust about them.

These problems are sometimes experienced when a person is in the early stages of psychosis. Early identification and treatment of psychosis has been proven to be successful.

WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?

Psychosis is when a person experiences distortion or loss of contact with reality. It rarely occurs ’out of the blue’, there are usually gradual changes in behaviours, routines and relationships with others.

People with psychosis may experience:

•	Hearing voices, seeing images, experiencing unexplainable sensations (hallucinations)
•	Unreal, fixes beliefs that seem out of context with their personal situation (delusions)
•	Muddled thoughts
•	Suspicion
•	Confusion
•	A lack of motivation
•	Inappropriate emotional responses
•	Obsessive behaviours/thoughts
•	Anxiety, irritability and depression
•	Difficulty in concentration and memory
•	Sleep/appetite disturbance
•	Social withdrawal

These experiences are:

•	Unfamiliar and difficult to understand
•	Traumatic and frightening for both the individual and their families/friends

Psychosis can often first occur between the ages of 16 and 30 and can arise due to a variety of reasons.

Anyone can be affected…

Many people will make a complete recovery form psychosis, however others will experience further episodes. There are effective treatments available, psychosis is not a ’life sentence’.

If you are concerned about yourself, a friend or a member of your family, early contact/discussion with a health professional could reduce distress and length of time of treatment and recovery.

USEFUL CONTACTS

•	GP Surgery
•	Local Community Mental Health Team
•	NHS Direct: 0845 4647
•	MIND: 01872 222469
•	Hear our voice: 01872 261989

Websites for further information regarding early intervention:

•	EPPIC: www.eppic.org.au/
•	Early psychosis website for young people: www.earlypsychosis.org/

written by Angela Hawkes

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