What to do if a loved one shows signs of psychosis

There are many different types of psychosis and whilst everyone’s experience is different, it can still be frightening to witness your loved one go through their version of the condition. Here leading psychiatrist Dr Lars Davidsson discusses two of the most common types that he sees in his clinic: schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis.

Dr Davidsson explains what to do if you suspect that your family member is experiencing psychosis and whether it can be cured.
 

What are the complications of psychosis? 

With a drug-induced psychosis, the perception of reality is bad. The person is much less functioning, misusing drugs or alcohol and impaired to function in an ordinary way. It’s the same for schizophrenia, where the person finds functioning hard and they are isolating themselves from their friends and family, and living alone.
 

Is a person with psychosis dangerous?

Some people are dangerous when others are not. It depends on the signs and symptoms of the individual. If you as a patient feel that other people are out to hurt but you harm yourself to prevent them from getting to you, then that is dangerous. Some people hear voices that are telling them to kill someone else. Most people with schizophrenia are not at all dangerous and are victims of crime as they are more vulnerable and some people can take advantage of that.
 

What’s the risk of suicide?

The risk of suicide is higher and there is also the risk of early death. If you haven’t measured your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels with your GP for some while then you are not managing your health. The most common cause of death in people with psychosis is having a heart attack.
 

What to do if someone I know has symptoms of psychosis?

If a loved one has symptoms of psychosis I recommend that you take them to a psychiatrist to have them assessed to find out what the underlying issues are. If they are taking drugs then make them stop taking them. They may need to go to the hospital or have a home treatment team. Once the patient is recently calmed-down and has an insight as to what is happening to them, I would see them frequently and prescribe antipsychotic medications.

If someone you love is resistant to facing their problem, they may need to go to rehab. We can talk them into having treatment, find out what they are worried about and why. We will try to reach a common ground.
 

Can psychosis be cured?

There is some evidence that some people can reverse to a pre-psychotic state. Not everyone relapses, not immediately. There may be some people who are sensitive to things and are psychotic due to extreme social stress, which might go on for decades. And then something else happens and it reverts to psychosis. Some people never become psychotic again. It really is an individual thing.

If you're worried about someone close to you and their mental behaviours, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Davidsson at either of his clinics in London.