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.

Resources

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.

Wellbeing help and support