DESCRIPTION
Psychosis is characterised by a loss of contact with reality. Psychotic disorders may present with:
- Delusions: Fixed beliefs, manifest as disturbed speech content with e.g. persecutory, referential, grandiose, religiose, erotic, bizarre themes.
- Hallucinations: Perceptual disturbances, e.g. auditory hallucinations, which are heard as voices distinct from the patients’ thoughts.
- Disorganised thinking: Manifests as disordered flow of speech which impairs communication.
- Grossly disorganised or abnormal motor behavior (including catatonia).
- Negative symptoms: reduced emotional expression, avolition, lack of speech, anhedonia, lack of social interaction.
Psychotic symptoms may occur in other psychiatric conditions (e.g. bipolar mania, major depression), medical conditions (e.g. certain types of epilepsy), or substance use (intoxication or withdrawal).
Psychosis is often accompanied by a lack of insight into the symptoms and poor judgement. The risk to self and others must always be assessed. It may be necessary to treat as an Assisted or Involuntary User under the MHCA.