What are the symptoms?

In order to try and understand the experience of Psychosis it is useful to group together some of the more characteristic symptoms.

Confused thinking

Everyday thoughts become confused or don’t join up properly. Sentences are unclear or don’t make sense. A person may have difficulty concentrating, following a conversation or remembering things. Thoughts seem to speed up or slow down.

False beliefs

It is common for a person experiencing a Psychosis episode to hold false beliefs, known as delusions. The person is so convinced of their delusion that the most logical argument cannot make them change their mind. For example, someone may be convinced from the way cars are parked outside their house that they are being watched by the police or they may be convinced that they are under the control of a powerful person or force.

Hallucinations

In Psychosis, the person sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes something that is not actually there. For example, they may hear voices which no one else can hear, or see things which aren’t there. Things may taste or smell as if they are bad or even poisoned.

Changed feelings

How someone feels may change for no apparent reason. They may feel strange and cut off from the world. Mood swings are common and they may feel unusually excited or depressed, or even exihibit signs of panic. A person’s emotions feel dampened and they may show less emotion to those around them.

Changed behaviour

People with Psychosis may behave differently from the way they usually do. They may be extremely active or lethargic. They may laugh inappropriately or become angry or upset without apparent cause; such behaviour could by symptoms of mania. Often, changes in behaviour are associated with the symptoms already described above.

For example, a person believing they are in danger may call the police. Someone who believes he is Jesus Christ may spend the day preaching in the streets. A person may stop eating because they are concerned that the food is poisoned, or have trouble sleeping because they are scared. Symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time.