Psychotic episodes
You should visit your GP if you're experiencing symptomsof psychosis.
It's important to speak to your GP as soon as possible because earlier treatment can be more effective.
There's no test to positively diagnose psychosis. However, your GP will ask aboutyour symptoms and possible causes.
For example, they may askyou:
The evidence supporting the early treatment of psychosis means you're likely to be referred to a specialist urgently.
Who you're referred to will depend on the services available in your area. You may be referred to:
These teams are likely to include some or all of the following healthcare professionals:
Your psychiatrist will carry out a full assessment to help identify and diagnose any underlying mental health condition that could be causing your symptoms. This will helpwhen planning your treatment for psychosis .
The lack of insight and level of distress associated with psychosis means people experiencingit aren't always able to recognise their symptoms.
They may be reluctant to visit their GP if they believe there's nothing wrong with them. You may need to help them get support and treatment.
Someone who has had psychotic episodes in the past may have been assigned a mental health worker, who works in mental health or social services,so try to contact them.
If someone has very severe psychosis, they can be compulsorily detained at hospital for assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act (1983) .
The Mental Health Act (1983) is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment, and rights of people with a mental health condition.
Under the Act, a person can only be compulsorily admitted to hospital or another mental health facility (sectioned) if they:
Depending on the nature of the mental health disorder and the individual's circumstances, the length of time a person can be sectioned is:
Before these time periods have elapsed, an assessment will be carried out to determine whether it's safe for the person to be discharged or further treatment is required.
If you're held under the Mental Health Act (1983), you can be treated against your will.However, certain treatments, such as brain surgery, can't be carried out unless you consent to treatment .
Any person compulsorily detained has the right to appeal against the decision to a Mental Health Tribunal (MHT). Thisis an independent body that decides whether a patient should be discharged from hospital.
Having psychosis could affect your ability to drive.
It's your legal obligation to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that could affect your driving ability.
GOV.UK provides details about telling the DVLA about a medical condition .
Read about psychosis, a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them
Someone who develops psychosis will have their own unique set of symptoms and experiences, according to their particular circumstances.
Read about the causes of psychosis. Psychosis can be caused by psychological conditions, general medical conditions, or substances like alcohol and drugs
Read about diagnosing psychosis. See your GP if you have psychotic episodes as early treatment usually has better long-term outcomes
Read about treating psychosis. Treatment for psychosis involves a combination of antipsychotic medicines, psychological therapies, and social support.
Andrew is in his 50s and lives on the south coast. His early psychotic experiences lasted a number of years and had a profound effect on his life.
Sarah lives in the north of England. She had a significant psychotic episode in her early 20s, during which she was abducted and assaulted.
Delusions and voices have been a daily feature of Richard's life for more than 10 years. Despite this, he recently completed a master's degree.