Psychotic episode symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions and confusion about what’s real and what’s not. These changes in thinking may affect a person’s ability to function normally in everyday life, and it can also make them feel uneasy, worried and frightened.
Hallucinations are when you hear, see, smell or taste something that isn’t there. This can cause agitation, distress, frustration and sometimes anger and hostility.
Delusions are false beliefs that a person has about themselves, others and the world around them. These beliefs are often very strong and fixed in their mind, and they can last for weeks or even months. They might involve a belief that you are a supernatural being, or have special powers that no one else has.
Disorganized thought is when you have thoughts that are not logical, unrelated or loosely connected. These thoughts can cause a person to drift away from the subject or to speak in ways that are hard to understand.
They can also lead to a loss of control over your behaviour. This can result in problems at home, work or school.
If you have a family history of mental health conditions, you may be at greater risk of experiencing psychotic episodes. There are also certain environmental factors that can trigger a psychotic episode, such as traumatic experiences or drug misuse.
There are a number of different types of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These vary in how long they last and what the underlying cause is.
Psychotic disorders can be triggered by a number of things, and they may come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. Symptoms can be quite mild at first, but they can get worse as the episode continues.
It’s important to talk to a doctor if you are worried about your mental health. A psychiatrist can diagnose your condition and suggest the right treatment, which could be medication or therapy.
Early signs of a psychotic episode are called prodromal symptoms. These are the earliest signs that something is wrong and should be checked out by your doctor or your local EPI (Early Psychosis Intervention) programme.
The most common signs of a psychotic episode are hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms can be scary and may be accompanied by a range of other physical and psychological problems, such as mood swings, anxiety and depression.
They can include hearing voices that aren’t there, seeing unusual lights or shapes, and feeling crawling sensations on your skin.
You might be able to manage some of your psychotic episode symptoms yourself by changing some of your habits. For example, try to reduce stress, have a regular sleep routine, and keep up with your usual exercise and food intake.
If you are diagnosed with psychosis, your treatment might involve medication to stop the symptoms and help your body’s normal balance of chemicals. You can also get some counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Getting help early is better for you and for your family, as you can recover quicker and experience fewer problems with psychosis.
