Psychosis is described as a “severe mental disorder in which thoughts and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality”. In other words, the disorder causes the individual to have abnormal thoughts about reality including delusions and hallucinations which leads to changes in behaviour. Experiencing the symptoms of psychosis is often referred to as having a psychotic episode or psychotic break.
A hallucination is where an individual hears, sees and in some cases feels, smells or tastes things that aren’t there. A common hallucination is hearing voices, other may include:
- seeing colours, shapes or people
- hearing voices or other sounds
- feeling touched when there is nobody there
- an odour that other people can’t smell
- a taste when there is nothing in the mouth
Delusions are where an individual has strong beliefs that aren’t shared by others. A common delusion is believing there is a conspiracy to harm them. An individual with grandiose delusions may believe they have power or authority, for example, they may think they’re the president or they have the power to bring people back from the dead.
People with psychosis sometimes have disturbed, confused, and disrupted patterns of thought. Signs of this include:
- rapid and constant speech
- disturbed speech; they may switch from one topic to another mid-sentence
- a sudden loss in train of thought resulting in an abrupt pause in conversation
- lack of insight
People who have psychotic episodes are often unaware that their delusions or hallucinations aren’t real, which may lead them to feel frightened or distressed.
There’s no test to positively diagnose psychosis. However, a GP will ask about symptoms and possible causes. For example, they may ask:
- whether any medication is being taking
- whether there is any illegal substance abuse
- about general moods for example suffering from depression
- about daily functioning
- whether there is any family medical history to consider such as schizophrenia
- about the details of any hallucinations, delusions or any other symptoms
The evidence supporting the early treatment of psychosis, means the likelihood of specialist referral.
The Mental Health Act (1983) is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment, and rights of people with a mental health condition. Under the Act, a person can be sectioned. Depending on the nature of the mental health disorder and the individual’s circumstances, the length of time a person can vary. An assessment will be carried out to determine whether it’s safe for the person to be discharged or further treatment is required.
If held under the Mental Health Act (1983), you can be treated against your will. However, certain treatments, such as brain surgery, can’t be carried out unless you consent to treatment. Any person compulsorily detained has the right to appeal against the decision to a Mental Health Tribunal (MHT).
Note:
Psychosis should not be confused with psychopathy. A psychopath suffers from a chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behaviour. Observations and tests over decades have established that psychopaths have around 20 behavioural patterns including: superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, lack of remorse, lack of control and impulsivity. If you’ve read Jon Ronson’s “The Psychopath Test” you’ll know that in theory, psychopaths do live and take part in normal society without anyone knowing.
