Early psychosis: See the signs

CrossCurrents

Knowing the common symptoms and behaviours associated with early psychosis goes a long way in getting young people the help they need. Here are some of the signs:

Changes in thinking patterns

• has difficulty concentrating or following a conversation

• experiences difficulty remembering things

• shows jumbled or disconnected thinking

Unusual or false beliefs (delusions)

• believes one is being followed

Changes in perception (hallucinations)

• hears, sees, smells, tastes or feels something that is not there

• experiences unusual physical sensations

Changes in feelings and mood

• experiences mood swings

• feels unusually excited, depressed or anxious

• shows very little or less emotion

Changes in behaviour

• laughs at inappropriate times

• becomes upset for no apparent reason

• spends more time alone

• seems less interested in friends, school or work

• experiences disrupted sleep and eating patterns (fears food is poisoned)

 

Source: First Episode Psychosis: An Information Guide, by Donna Czuchta and Kathryn Ryan (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1999)

 

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