Acute Psychotic Episode
A period of losing touch with reality, it is a frightening experience that can be effectively treated with prompt care.
WHAT IS IT?
Psychosis refers to a state in which a person loses contact with reality. During a psychotic episode, a person may experience hallucinations most commonly hearing voices or hold beliefs that are clearly false but feel completely real to them. They may also think in a disorganised or confused way that makes it difficult for others to follow.
Psychosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself. It can arise in the context of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or as a response to extreme stress or substance use. It can also occur as a first and isolated episode with no preceding history. Whatever the cause, an acute psychotic episode requires prompt assessment and treatment.
WHAT MIGHT YOU NOTICE?
In many cases there is a prodromal period of weeks or months during which a person may seem increasingly withdrawn, suspicious, or unusual in their thinking before more overt symptoms emerge. Family members or close friends often notice the change before the person themselves.
During an acute episode, the person may appear frightened, confused, or agitated, and may not recognise that anything is wrong. This lack of insight is itself a feature of psychosis, which is why the support of those around them is so important.
Common symptoms include:
Hearing voices or seeing things others cannot
Unusual beliefs that feel absolutely real (delusions)
Confused or disorganised thinking and speech
Suspicion or paranoia
Social withdrawal and self-isolation
Neglect of self-care
Significant sleep disturbance
Agitation or fear
Lack of insight that anything is wrong
WHICH TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILIBLE?
An acute psychotic episode is a medical emergency and should be assessed promptly. With appropriate treatment, most people make a good recovery from their first episode of psychosis. Early intervention is crucial, the longer psychosis goes untreated, the greater the impact on recovery.
Urgent Assessment: A thorough psychiatric assessment is the essential first step to understand the nature and cause of the psychosis, and to put the right treatment plan in place as quickly as possible.
Antipsychotic Medication: Antipsychotic medication is the primary treatment for acute psychosis and is highly effective at reducing hallucinations, delusions, and agitation, often within days to weeks.
Safe Environment & Support: A calm, supportive environment and the involvement of trusted family members or friends is an important part of recovery, reducing stress and promoting engagement with treatment.
Follow-Up & Relapse Prevention: After an acute episode, careful follow-up is essential. We work with you to understand triggers, maintain wellbeing, and put a plan in place to protect against future episodes.