Recognising Early Signs of Psychosis

Subtle overlapping scale pattern symbolising complexity and nuance of psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, emotions, and perception of reality. Identifying early signs can help individuals, families, and support networks recognise when professional help may be needed.

Understanding Psychosis

Psychosis is characterised by a loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and changes in behaviour. Early intervention is key to improving long-term outcomes.

Key features include:

  • Delusions (unusual beliefs)
    • Irrational or paranoid ideas, such as being monitored by secret services
    • Strong convictions about supernatural powers or having special abilities
    • Beliefs of being a historical or cultural figure without basis
    • Distressing beliefs that interfere with everyday functioning
  • Hallucinations (perceptual disturbances)
    • Hearing voices, music, or sounds others cannot hear
    • Seeing people, objects, or shapes that aren’t there
    • Less common: tactile (e.g., crawling sensations), olfactory (e.g., phantom smells), or gustatory (e.g., unusual tastes)
  • Disorganised thinking and speech
    • Poverty of thought – brief, unelaborated responses
    • Circumstantial speech – excessive, off-topic detail
    • Derailment – jumping between unrelated topics
    • Thought blocking – pausing mid-sentence unexpectedly
    • Neologisms – inventing new words
  • Difficulty concentrating
    • Trouble focusing
    • Simple tasks may become confusing or overwhelming
  • Heightened sensitivity
    • Overreaction to sounds, lights, or touch
    • Sensory overload
  • Emotional and behavioural changes
    • Irritability, mood swings
    • Withdrawing from others
    • Changes in sleep or appetite
    • New or uncharacteristic behaviours
  • Decline in functioning
    • Struggles with school or work
    • Neglect of hygiene or daily routines
    • Difficulty maintaining relationships

Having one or more of these signs doesn’t automatically indicate psychosis, but if symptoms persist or disrupt daily life, professional evaluation is advised.

Supporting Someone in the Early Stages

Taking early action can help ensure safety and effective treatment. The following steps may help support someone during the at-risk or active stages:

1. Prioritise safety

  • If there are safety concerns, seek emergency care. Al Amal and Al Rashid hospitals have psychiatrists available 24/7.
  • Remove potentially harmful objects from the environment.

2. Stay calm and reassuring

  • Speak in a composed, gentle manner.
  • Minimise loud noises, bright lights, or chaotic situations.

3. Recognise the signs

  • Learn about early warning signs to identify them sooner.
  • Trust instincts and act promptly when concerned.

4. Encourage professional help

  • Suggest seeking support from a mental health professional.
  • Offer help in finding a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.

5. Monitor medication (if applicable)

  • Ensure medications are taken as prescribed.
  • Watch for side effects and stay in touch with the healthcare provider.

6. Promote healthy habits

  • Encourage regular sleep, healthy eating, and physical activity.
  • Discourage use of alcohol or recreational drugs.
  • Provide emotional support by listening and validating their distress.

7. Foster connection

  • Maintain supportive relationships if appropriate.
  • Structured family support models (e.g., The Meriden Model) have shown to reduce relapse risk by improving communication.
  • Recovery may involve setbacks – ongoing support is essential.

Supporting someone with psychosis can also take a toll on others. Seeking support from professionals or peer groups is recommended for caregivers.

In Summary

Recognising the early warning signs of psychosis allows for timely support and treatment. While symptoms can be distressing, compassionate care and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. No one should face psychosis without help – professional support is essential.