Psychosis
This is the medical term for when somebody loses touch with reality the way others see it.
Symptoms
Hallucinations
- Hearing/Seeing/Smelling or tasting things that don’t exist
- Hearing voices other people do not hear
Delusions
- Belief that something exists or is happening that other people don’t see or know not to be true
- Common delusion is believing someone is trying to cause you harm or other forms of paranoia
Other signs
- A belief you are in danger
- Erratic thoughts and behaviour, including speaking very quickly and making strange connections between things
- Thinking that everything that happens has some link to you and your life
Causes
Can be a symptom of either bipolar or schizophrenia but also
- Living through a traumatic event
- Stress
- A bad experience after taking drugs (a bad trip or bad drugs)
- Alcohol
- A reaction to prescribed medication
- A physical condition, such as a brain tumour
If you think you are having psychotic episodes or voices are making you want to hurt yourself then seek help immediately and dial 999.
Alternatively when to get help really depends on when you feel comfortable doing so. If you feel okay to do so, friends and family might be able to offer you some support.
Treatments for psychosis can be quite simple and it’s often about finding the right medication.