You should visit a GP if you're experiencing symptoms of psychosis.
It's important to speak to a GP as soon as possible because earlier treatment can be more effective.
Initial assessment
There's no test to positively diagnose psychosis. However, your GP will ask about your symptoms and possible causes.
For example, they may ask you:
- whether you're taking any medicines
- about your use of alcohol or drugs
- how your moods have been – for example, whether you've been depressed
- how you've been functioning day-to-day – for example, whether you're still working
- whether you have a family history of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia
- about the details of your hallucinations, such as whether you've heard voices
- about the details of your delusions, such as whether you feel people are controlling you
- whether you've harmed yourself or thought about harming yourself
- about any other symptoms you have
Referral
The evidence supporting the early treatment of psychosis means you're likely to be referred to a specialist urgently.
Who you're referred to will depend on your symptoms and the services available in your area. You may be referred to:
- a community mental health team – a team of mental health professionals who provide support to people with complex mental health conditions
- a crisis resolution team – a team of mental health professionals who treat people who would otherwise require treatment in hospital
- an early intervention team – a team of mental health professionals who work with people who have experienced their first episode of psychosis
These teams are likely to include some or all of the following:
- a psychiatrist – a qualified medical doctor who has received further training in treating mental health conditions
- a community mental health nurse – a nurse with specialist training in mental health conditions
- a psychologist – a healthcare professional who specialises in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions
- a social worker - who can provide practical help and support with issues such as housing and finances
Your psychiatrist will carry out a full assessment to help identify and diagnose any underlying mental health condition that could be causing your symptoms. This will help when planning your treatment for psychosis.
Helping others
The lack of insight and level of distress associated with psychosis means people experiencing it are not always able to recognise their symptoms.
They may be reluctant to visit a GP if they believe there's nothing wrong with them. You may need to help them get support and treatment.
Someone who has had psychotic episodes in the past may have been assigned a a home treatment or crisis resolution team (CRT). You can try to contact that team
If they have not been assigned a team or you do not have their contact details , call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk for advice.
If you think the person poses an immediate threat of danger to themselves or others, call 999 and ask for advice.
If someone has very severe psychosis, they can be compulsorily detained at hospital for assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act (1983).
The mental health charity Mind has more information about the Mental Health Act (1983).
Mental Health Act
The Mental Health Act is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health condition.
Under the Act, a person can only be compulsorily admitted to hospital or another mental health facility (sometimes called “sectioned") if they:
- have a mental disorder of a nature or degree that makes admission to hospital appropriate
- need to be admitted in the interests of their own safety, for the protection of others, or both
Depending on the nature of the mental health disorder and the individual's circumstances, the length of time a person can be sectioned is :
- 72 hours
- 28 days
- 6 months
Before these time periods have elapsed, an assessment will be carried out to determine whether it's safe for the person to be discharged or further treatment is required.
Any person compulsorily admitted has the right to appeal against the decision to a Mental Health Tribunal (MHT). This is an independent body that decides whether a patient should be discharged from hospital
Driving
Do not drive during an episode of psychosis.
It's your legal obligation to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that could affect your driving ability, including psychosis.
GOV.UK provides details about telling the DVLA about a medical condition.