When Can Psychosis be Seen?

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• Schizophrenia - this needs early intervention and treatment. Take a look at our section on support services in Ireland. It's important to tell somebody about this (a health professional will be able to assess what is going on and make a diagnosis). Thankfully treatments are available for this disorder to relieve the symptoms that are bothering the person.

• Side effects of drugs- this can be prescribed medication as well as illicit drugs. Alcohol and stimulants can induce psychosis as can steroids and even anti-histamines. Careful history taking by a doctor can identify this. Thankfully this often resolves once the drug wears off although it may take some time to see improvement. See the link on drug induced psychosis

• Sleep disorders - Upon waking/sleeping we are in a hyper-emotional state and hearing noises/ being convinced somebody is there is a normal phenomena and nothing to worry about. Being excessively tired during the day and be the underlying cause of delusions and hallucinations.

• Mood disorders for example in an extremely depressed person a 'psychotic episode' can occur. This is usually after a long time of depression and is not the main symptom seen. Again careful history taking by a doctor is key to diagnosis and support.

• General medical conditions- head injuries, disease or trauma to the central nervous system and even hormonal (endocrine) problems can manifest as psychosis.

• Dementia patients can exhibit psychosis although this generally wouldn't be seen in younger people.

• There are also several personally disorders that can show psychosis. 

Now you know there is a large list of possibilities to consider its more important to get help and encourage the person involved to seek help if they are willing.
A doctor will be able to talk to the person involved and gather enough information to diagnose the underlying problem. 
Early access to care is important whatever the diagnosis. This reduces the persons suffering as symptoms can be relieved it also reduces the stress and worry from family and friends.