PSYCHOTIC ILLNESSES

Overview

Psychotic illnesses are mental health conditions that affect how a person experiences reality. They can influence your:

Perceptions
Thoughts and beliefs
Emotions
Behaviour and daily functioning

Psychotic symptoms can occur on their own or as part of other mental health conditions, and they can affect people at different points across the lifespan.Experiencing psychosis does not mean someone has “lost control” or cannot recover. With the right support, many people improve significantly.

Common Psychotic Symptoms

In Your Mind

Strong or fixed beliefs that feel very real but may not be shared by others
Feeling confused or suspicious
Disorganised or racing thoughts
Difficulty distinguishing internal thoughts from external events

In Your Senses

Hearing voices or sounds others do not hear
Seeing things others cannot see
Feeling watched, followed, or influenced

In Daily Life

Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities
Changes in behaviour or routines
Difficulty working, studying, or managing responsibilities
Reduced motivation or emotional expression

Conditions That Can Involve Psychosis

Psychotic symptoms may occur in several conditions, including:

Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders
Bipolar disorder with psychotic features
Severe depression with psychotic features
Brief or acute psychotic episodes
Psychosis related to trauma, medical conditions, or substance use

Accurate assessment is important because symptoms can overlap across conditions.

What Can Trigger Psychotic Episodes?

Severe stress or major life changes
Sleep deprivation
Trauma or significant emotional distress
Substance use (including cannabis or stimulants)
Physical illness or neurological conditions
Genetic vulnerability (family history)

Often, more than one factor is involved.

When Psychotic Symptoms Need Treatment

Professional support is important if:

Symptoms persist or worsen
They interfere with daily functioning
You feel frightened, distressed, or unsafe
Others notice significant changes in your behaviour or thinking

Good news: psychotic illnesses are treatable, and early intervention improves outcomes.

Common Treatments for Psychotic Illnesses

Medication

Antipsychotic medications → help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and thought disturbance
Medication is prescribed and monitored by a Consultant Psychiatrist

Psychological Support

CBT for psychosis → helps make sense of experiences and reduce distress
Supportive therapy → builds coping strategies and emotional stability
Family or carer involvement where appropriate

Lifestyle & Support

Regular sleep and daily routines
Reducing substance use
Stress management
Social and occupational support

Treatment plans are always tailored to the individual.

How We Can Help You

At Spectrum Mind Healthcare, we can:

Offer Consultant Psychiatrist-led assessment and diagnosis
Provide clear explanations of symptoms and experiences
Develop a personalised treatment plan
Support ongoing recovery and wellbeing

Assessment at Spectrum Mind Healthcare

We take a comprehensive and careful approach, combining:

Detailed clinical interviews
Review of mental health and medical history
Consideration of developmental and psychosocial factors
Use of recognised diagnostic frameworks

This ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

James' Journey

James was in his mid-twenties when things began to feel “off.” Conversations seemed loaded with hidden meaning. Sleep slipped. Music sounded sharper, almost intrusive. He started avoiding friends, unsure who he could trust.

At first, he worried he was “going mad.” A thorough psychiatric assessment helped name what he was experiencing: a psychotic episode. Understanding it changed everything. Treatment focused on stabilising sleep, starting medication, and slowly rebuilding confidence.

Over time, the intensity faded. The world became quieter again. James learned how stress and sleep affected his symptoms, and how to ask for help early. What once felt terrifying became something he could manage, understand, and recover from.

Next Steps

If you’re concerned about psychotic symptoms in yourself or someone you care for, support is available. A psychiatric assessment can help clarify what’s happening and guide the right next steps.