Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Psychosis / Schizophrenia are two different mental health conditions with similar causes, symptoms and treatment which are common in all genders. The causes of Psychosis / Schizophrenia are not always known, but there are some contributing factors.

Some causes of Psychosis / Schizophrenia may include

  • Genetics (having close family members with Psychosis / Schizophrenia)
  • Problems during pregnancy and birth
  • The use of illegal drugs
  • Traumatic life events (particularly in childhood)

Postnatal Psychosis

Postnatal psychosis is an extreme form of postnatal depression, this is sometimes caused in women after they have had a baby. It is more likely to occur in women who already have a mental health condition such as bipolar or schizophrenia.

Symptoms of Psychosis / Schizophrenia may include

  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Disturbed and/or confused thoughts

Hallucinations are different for everyone. Hallucinations are where someone might experience things that do not exist outside of their mind. All 5 senses might be affected including sight, sounds, touch/feeling, smell and taste.

Delusions are when a person has a belief that untrue in nature, but they strongly believe that this is true/real. Delusions may include persecutory delusions, for example, the belief that someone or something is planning to hurt or kill them.  Additionally, grandiose delusions may also be experienced. Grandiose delusions for example may include, someone believing that they are famous, or of high authority.

Confused and/or disturbed thoughts may be due to a lack of concentration, rapid speech content, or a sudden loss in train of thought.

Treatment for Psychosis / Schizophrenia may include

  • Medication such as antipsychotics
  • Psychological treatments
  • In severe cases, some people may require treatment in an inpatient hospital setting

A combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication is often the most effective for treating Psychosis / Schizophrenia.

Help Lines

Samaritans

116 123 

Shout 

If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

0800 068 41 41
88247 (text)
pat@papyrus-uk.org
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides a helpline, online and WhatsApp chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

SANEline

If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).

Nightline 

www.nightline.ac.uk

If you’re a student, you can look to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

NHS 111 – urgent mental health helpline

You can contact NHS 111 any time to access support for your health. To get urgent mental health support, call 111 and select option 2.

If you feel that you are unable to keep yourself safe, or if you feel you are at risk to yourself or others, then please contact 999 or visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E)