Services

Psychosis

If you experience psychosis and live in Gloucestershire, we can help.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis isn’t a condition in itself – it’s triggered by other conditions. It’s sometimes possible to identify the cause of psychosis as a specific mental health condition, such as:

schizophrenia
bipolar disorder
severe depression

Psychosis can also be triggered by traumatic experiences, stress, or physical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, a brain tumour, or as a result of drug misuse or alcohol misuse.

How often a psychotic episode occurs and how long it lasts can depend on the underlying cause. For example, schizophrenia can be a long-term condition, but most people can make a good recovery and about a quarter only have a single psychotic episode. Episodes related to bipolar disorder usually resolve, but may recur.

You can learn more about the causes and symptoms of psychosis by clicking here.

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1 in 100 people will experience a psychotic episode in their lifetime

Getting help

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Further help and support

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Related conditions

Getting help

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you know and think they may have psychosis.

You should see your GP immediately if you’re experiencing psychotic episodes. It is important psychosis is treated as soon as possible as early treatment usually has better long-term outcomes. Your GP will look at your symptoms and rule out short-term causes, such as drug misuse. They may ask you some questions to help determine what’s causing your psychosis.

Getting help for others

People with psychosis often have a lack of insight. They’re unaware that they’re thinking and acting strangely. Because of their lack of insight, it’s often down to the friends, relatives, or carers of a person affected by psychosis to seek help for them.

If you’re concerned about someone you know and think they may have psychosis, you could contact their social worker or community mental health nurse if they’ve previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

If you think the person’s symptoms are placing them at possible risk of harm, you can:

Take them to the nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department, if they agree
Call their GP or local out-of-hours GP
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance

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Find your out of hours GP

Visit NHS Choices to find out of hours information for your area

Treatments for psychosis

How we may help, and some of the treatments on offer.

Treatment for psychosis involves a combination of antipsychotic medicines, psychological therapies, and social support.

Most people with psychosis who get better with medication need to continue taking it for at least a year. Some people need to take long-term medication to prevent symptoms recurring. If a person’s psychotic episodes are severe, they may need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

Your care team

Your treatment is likely to be co-ordinated by a team of mental health professionals working together. If this is your first psychotic episode, you may be referred to an early intervention team.

You can read more about treatment by visiting NHS Choices