what is psychosis?

• Psychosis is a condition that leads to changes in a person’s mood, thinking and ideas
• Changes in thinking: everyday thoughts may become confused and might not make sense, and having difficulty with concentration and memory
• Changes in beliefs: may develop false beliefs called delusions that aren’t connected to reality
• Hallucinations: hearing seeing, smelling or feeling things that aren’t there. This can be very confusing and scary
• Changed behaviour: sometimes people can become extremely energetic or lethargic or become angry, upset or laugh for no apparent reason
• A person may also feel they are in danger and have trouble eating or sleeping

what causes psychosis?

Some people have a genetic or biological vulnerability to psychosis. Although a person has this vulnerability they may never have a psychosis. However, a psychotic episode can be triggered by a stressful event or by drug use. Psychosis can cause changes in brain chemistry that in turn produces changes in thinking and behaviour that are typical of a psychotic episode.

why is it important to treat psychosis early?

Psychosis often first presents in late adolescence or early adulthood which are an important time when young people are developing their sense of identity. Psychosis often disturbs a young person's sense of themselves, their relationships with friends and families, their ability to function well at school and work.

Early treatment helps because it:

• Lessens the impact of the illness
•  Shortens the duration of the condition
•  Lessens the likelihood or relapse
•  Reduces the negative impact on the young person’s life
•  Reduces the severity of the symptoms
•  Reduces the disruption caused to friends and family

Early treatment may also:

• Promote a quicker return to everyday activities
• Prevent admission to hospital and require lower levels of medication
• Strengthen self esteem and confidence

recovering from psychosis

Recovery involves getting back to normal following a psychotic episode. Recovery can take a different amount of time for different people. Sometimes a psychotic episode will go away rapidly but for others it may takes weeks or months.
Recovery involves:

• Medication: psychosis is a medical condition that requires treatment by a doctor who specializes in mental health conditions and may require taking medications. Any concerns about treatment including medication side-effcts should be discussed with the keyworker
• Counselling: early psychosis usually has an impact on self esteem and ability to function in day to day activities and relationships. Counselling can help the young person to better understand the psychosis and develop ways of better managing it
• Recovery programs: ycentral runs recovery programs that help with activity, work/education developing interests, socializing and assist in developing a positive attitude

psychosis and drugs

If you take mind altering drugs, don’t be surprised if they alter your mind!
Some young people with a vulnerability to psychosis may have a psychotic episode after using drugs. They may have a drug induced psychotic episode which may cease after they stop taking the drug or they may develop a psychosis which continues even after they stop using the drug. Continued drug use can also delay the process of recovery.

For urgent mental health issues call Mental Health Central Intake (24hrs 7 days a weeks) on 4320 3500 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. The Central Coast has Emergency Departments at Gosford 4320 2111 and Wyong Hospitals 4394 8000