Psychosis is an umbrella term used to describe various symptoms associated with different mental health conditions such as Schizophrenia. These symptoms include those that cause people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them. This might involve experiences such as hearing or seeing things or holding unusual beliefs, which other people don’t experience or share. For many people, these psychotic experiences can be highly distressing and disruptive, interfering with everyday life, conversations, relationships, and finding or keeping a job.
Common symptoms of Psychosis include:
- anxiety and fear
- paranoia and suspiciousness
- visual hallucinations and/or voice-hearing
- ‘delusions’ or ‘unusual’ beliefs not shared by others, including those of a paranoid or grandiose nature (e.g. having a special super power
- disorganised thoughts, speech or behaviour
- disordered thinking such as jumping between unrelated topics and making ‘unusual’ connection between thoughts
- unresponsiveness, also known as ‘catatonia’
- difficulty concentrating
- sleep difficulties
Almost anyone can experience a brief psychotic episode; experiences are surprisingly common. Psychotic episodes are treatable and sufferers can make a complete recovery so do please seek treatment if this is something that you are struggling with. It is important that Psychosis be treated as soon as possible, as early treatment intervention can improve its effectiveness and promote greater recovery.
Treatment for Psychosis
Treatment for Psychosis involves a combination of medication and psychological therapy depending on how it manifests for you. As such, consulting with a Psychiatrist in addition to psychological therapy can often be necessary. This is something we can support you with here at Sanctum.
We offer effective and evidence-based psychological treatments for Psychosis. These include:
We’re here to help. If you would like to enquire about treatment for Psychosis at Sanctum, please contact us to arrange an assessment.
