What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is treatable! Early intervention is the key.

“Psychosis” describes a set of conditions that affects a person’s mind, resulting in a loss of contact with reality. The term “first episode psychosis” refers to the first time a person experiences psychosis. This experience can be very frightening, confusing and distressing for the individual and their family. Psychosis will not go away on its own. Psychosis may lead to disruption of the individual’s social networks (school, work, family, etc.), may hinder the development of their personality and identity and may result in increased substance abuse.

Approximately 3% of people will experience psychosis at some stage in their life, generally between 16 and 35 years of age. Females tend to develop psychosis later, usually in their late 20s and early 30s. People from all social backgrounds can be affected by psychosis.

What Causes Psychosis?

There are several causes of psychosis - exposure to severe stress, medical conditions or diseases, substance abuse or withdrawal, and mood disorders. Psychosis can be caused by organic factors, by intoxication, or by functional disorders such as schizophrenia.

Phases

A person experiencing psychosis may go through 3 phases - prodrome, acute and recovery. The phases may vary from person to person and may not necessarily occur in this order. Each person’s experience will be different.

The Prodrome Phase

This is the beginning phase before psychosis is experienced. This phase can last from 2 to 5 years. The following symptoms may be vague and hardly noticeable:

· suspiciousness
·  tension
· anger
·  sleep disturbances
·  social withdrawal
·  depression or anxiety
·  irritability
·  mood swings
·  lack of energy
·  deterioration of work or study habits
·  unusual habits

Prodromal symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from normal adolescent behaviours. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone experiencing these symptoms will go on to develop psychosis. Prodrome is the “at risk” phase. If you are concerned, please contact the district clinician in your area.

The Acute Phase

This is when the typical symptoms of psychosis appear. Most people will notice the odd behaviours, therefore this is the stage when most people are diagnosed and begin to receive treatment. The following are common symptoms of psychosis:

· hallucinations (hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting things that aren’t actually there)

· delusions (false beliefs that other people don’t share, usually bizarre or unfounded such as being followed, being plotted against, being controlled by forces or others, having special powers, hidden messages, having your thoughts broadcasted)

· disorganized thinking or behaviour (rambling on and on, trouble concentrating, difficulty connecting thoughts, bizarre out of character actions)

The Recovery Phase