This includes first-episode psychosis, acute schizophrenia-like psychosis, acute delusional psychosis, and other acute and transient psychotic disorders.

Individuals might experience:

  • hallucinations e.g. hearing voices when no one is around, seeing visions
  • strange beliefs or fears
  • apprehension or confusion
  • perceptual disturbances

Families and others might observe behaviour changes that cannot be explained, including strange or frightening behaviour (e.g. withdrawal, suspiciousness, self-neglect, and threats).

Young adults, particularly when experiencing their first episode of psychosis, may present with persistent changes in functioning, behaviour, or personality (e.g. multiple physical complaints, withdrawal or deterioration in social, academic or occupational performance), but without florid psychotic symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

If you have recently started to experience one or more of the following symptoms you may be experiencing an acute psychotic disorder:

  • hallucinations (false or imagined sensations, e.g. hearing voices when no-one is around, seeing visions)
  • delusions (firmly held ideas that are often false and not shared by others in the person’s social, cultural or ethnic group, e.g. a person believes they are being poisoned by neighbours, receiving messages from television, or being looked at by others in some special way)
  • disorganized or strange speech
  • agitation or bizarre behaviour
  • extreme and changing emotional states

These symptoms may be preceded by a period of deteriorating social, occupational and academic functioning.

Physical disorders that can cause psychotic symptoms include:

  • drug-induced psychosis (especially stimulants such as amphetamine or cocaine)
  • alcoholic hallucinosis
  • infectious or febrile illness
  • epilepsy or other organic intracranial pathology

It may be useful to perform urine and blood investigations.

 

Options

Acute episodes often have a good outcome, and it is important that you remain positive in view of the proven benefits of treatments and support from various agencies. The sooner symptoms are identified and treated, the better the outcome.

  • The long-term course of the illness can be difficult to predict after an initial acute episode.
  • It is vital to recognise the importance of medication, how it works and possible side-effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about this.
  • You may need treatment for several months after symptoms resolve.
  • The support of family or friends can help the recovery process.
  • Try to resume normal activities once your symptoms start to improve as soon as possible with your doctor's agreement.
  • It is important to receive psychological and social support for both yourself and your family.

 

Friends and family

  • Encourage the person to seek medical support as soon as possible.
  • Encourage the person to take medication as prescribed.
  • Be aware of the possible side-effects of medication.
  • Do not argue with psychotic thinking. (You may disagree with the persons beliefs, but you should not try to convince him or her).
  • Avoid confrontation or criticism, unless it is necessary to prevent harmful or disruptive behaviour.
  • In some cases agitation which is dangerous to the person, the family, or the community requires hospitalization or close observation in a safe place. If the person refuses treatment, legal measures may be needed.
  • Encourage resumption of normal activities after symptoms improve.
  • Encourage the attendance of self-help groups for the person and seek out support groups for yourself.
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Military Mental Health Service Contact Details


St. George's Hospital,
Corporation Street,
Stafford,
ST16 3AG