Psychosis and schizophrenia
Psychosis is the inability to distinguish between reality and imagination. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that causes a range of varied psychological symptoms, including psychosis.
If you are experiencing psychosis, your symptoms may include:
- disturbance of thought, skipping from one idea to another
- withdrawal from contact with other people
- paranoia that other people or the world is out to get you
- delusions, ie believing in things that are untrue
- hallucinations, ie hearing or seeing things that do not exist.
Misconceptions
The idea that people with schizophrenia have a split or dual personality is totally untrue. It would be more accurate to say that people with schizophrenia have a mind that can experience episodes of dysfunction and disorder.
Another misconception is that people who have the condition are violent. Again, there is little evidence to back this up. A person with schizophrenia or psychosis is far more likely to be the victim of violent crime than the instigator.
What can I do to help myself?
We would advise that you contact your doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss treatments, but the charity Mind also recommends a number of self-help techniques that can help maintain your wellbeing and manage your symptoms.
Related links
How can we help?
Schizophrenia and psychosis are treated using a combination of medical treatments, such as anti-psychotic medicines, intervention therapy and talking therapies.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, complete the Open Door online referral form - see help and support for more information - or speak to your doctor.
