Sentiens Health

During a psychotic episode, individuals are unable to think clearly and reasonably, and lose touch with reality. A psychosis affects different people differently, but there are five main groups of symptoms that people can experience during a psychotic episode.

Families and loved ones of people who have experienced a psychosis often say that things weren't quite right for some time before the psychotic episode.

A psychosis can occur as part of a number of different disorders; for instance, a psychosis can occasionally arise from medical conditions such as some kinds of epilepsy, a head injury, some brain infections, a stroke or a brain tumor. A psychotic episode can also occur after taking drugs such as amphetamines, LSD, cocaine or cannabis, amongst others. Some people experience a psychosis after a traumatic or very stressful event, while other people experience a psychosis as part of a developing or established mental disorder.

Everyone's experience of a psychosis is different and attaching a name or label to the psychotic episode can be difficult, especially if it is the first time the person has experienced a psychotic episode. There is no medical test that can tell which type of psychoses a person is experiencing, and it can take some time for an exact diagnosis to be made.

There are a number of methods which individuals and their families can use to obtain treatment. The methods people use often differ depending on how troubling and disruptive symptoms are, and how familiar the person might be with the signs of a developing psychosis.

The exact treatment that an individual will receive differs from person to person, and also differs according to the phase of the psychosis that is being experienced.  Treatment has gradually moved from an acute inpatient setting, to more holistic, community-based treatment programs which encompass not only the biological model of psychosis treatment (ie. medication), but also psychosocial issues such as family and other relationships, employment and other things that impact on function and quality of life.

Most people who are experiencing a psychosis can be supported at home by their family or friends as long as they receive regular support and are in close and regular contact with mental health professionals. Sometimes it may be necessary for the person to receive treatment in hospital.