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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or police.
For a full list of Australian mental health helplines, visit Healthdirect
This information is general and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.
Understanding psychosis
Psychosis is a condition where a person loses touch with reality. It's not a diagnosis in itself, but a set of symptoms that can occur in different conditions. Psychosis involves:
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting or smelling things that aren't there.
- Delusions: Strong beliefs that aren't based in reality and can't be changed by evidence.
- Disorganised thinking: Thoughts that are confused, jumbled or hard to follow.
- Disorganised behaviour: Acting in ways that seem unusual or out of context.
- Negative symptoms: Reduced emotional expression, low motivation, withdrawal or reduced ability to experience pleasure.
Psychosis can occur in a range of conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (during mania), severe depression, postpartum psychosis, and some physical conditions like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy or brain injury. It can also be triggered by substance use or medication. It's important to understand that psychosis is not another name for schizophrenia, though schizophrenia is one of the conditions in which psychosis can occur.
Around 0.5% of Australian adults experience a disorder involving psychosis. With treatment and support, many people who experience psychosis live full and meaningful lives.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a long-term mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves and understands reality. It is the most common psychotic disorder in Australia, affecting around 1 in 100 people. It usually first develops in the late teenage years or early adulthood.
Schizophrenia involves symptoms of psychosis, but it is a specific diagnosis with its own pattern of symptoms and treatment. Not everyone who experiences psychosis has schizophrenia.
Common experiences and everyday impacts
Schizophrenia has a wide range of symptoms, which are usually grouped into three types:
Positive symptoms (additions to a person's experience):
- Delusions — strong beliefs that aren't true or based in reality
- Hallucinations — seeing, hearing or sensing things that aren't there
- Unusual movements or catatonia
Negative symptoms (reductions in normal functioning):
- Showing less emotion or having a blank expression
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of interest in activities
- Social withdrawal
Cognitive symptoms:
- Disorganised speech and thinking
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Memory difficulties
These symptoms can affect a person's ability to work, study, socialise and manage daily life. The impact varies from person to person. With treatment, many people manage their symptoms effectively and lead meaningful lives.
It's important to know that people experiencing psychosis are much more likely to have experienced violence than to be violent themselves.
Support options and seeking professional help
If you or someone you know may be experiencing psychosis, it's important to seek help early. A GP can provide an initial assessment and refer you to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may include:
- Medication, such as antipsychotic medicines, prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist
- Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- Psychoeducation and social skills training
- Family therapy and support
- Employment and education support
- Community support programs
Treatment is often most effective when it starts early. Some people may need short-term hospital care during acute episodes. Never stop or change medication without medical advice.
You can also contact SANE Australia on 1800 18 7263 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm) for support with complex mental health issues.
Supporting someone with psychosis or schizophrenia
If someone you know is experiencing psychosis or schizophrenia, you can help by:
- Listening calmly and without judgement
- Avoiding arguing with their delusions or hallucinations, while staying grounded in reality
- Encouraging them to seek professional help and supporting them through treatment
- Learning about the condition to better understand their experiences
- Helping them maintain a safe, stable environment
- Looking after your own mental health and seeking support
If someone appears to be at risk of self-harm or suicide, don't leave them alone. Call Triple Zero (000) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Reliable Australian resources
Sources
- Healthdirect Australia — Schizophrenia (healthdirect.gov.au/schizophrenia)
- SANE Australia — Psychosis (sane.org)
- SANE Australia — Schizophrenia (sane.org)
- Better Health Channel — Psychosis and mental illness (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
- World Health Organization — Schizophrenia (who.int)
Need support? Contact your GP, a mental health professional, or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).