Psychotic episodes occur when a young person’s emotions and thoughts become so disturbed they lose contact with reality. They may see, hear, smell or feel things that aren’t there or believe things that don’t make sense.
Brief hallucinatory experiences are relatively common, and around a half of young people will experience these at some time. However, during a psychotic episode these are present much of the time, are often distressing and significantly interfere with normal life
Psychosis is when someone has difficulty telling what is real from what is not. This can affect how a person thinks, experiences the world, and understands what is happening around them. Psychosis usually involves a combination of symptoms that persist and begin to affect everyday life, such as school, relationships, or self care.
The main symptoms of psychosis can include:
- Hallucinations – this is hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling or seeing things that aren’t there. The most common is hearing voices, which can feel very real and frightening
- Delusions – these are strongly held and unusual beliefs, such as that people are out to get you, you are being spied upon or have some special powers
- Disordered thoughts – you may be unable to think clearly, and thoughts may be muddled or confused. Other people may find it hard to follow what you say.
Negative symptoms include decreased ability to emotionally respond, emotional flatness, a reduction in speech and lack of motivation to complete tasks.
Psychosis usually involves a pattern of several symptoms happening together and may lead to noticeable changes in how someone is thinking, feeling, or behaving.
If you are worried about experiences such as hearing or seeing things others cannot, feeling very suspicious of others, or finding your thoughts very confused, it can help to speak to a trusted adult.
This might be:
- Your parents or carers
- The mental health team in your school
- A school nurse
- Your GP
They may be able to help you access support from Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS/CAMHS) or from the Early Intervention Service (EIS), which is a specialist team supporting young people experiencing psychosis.
Further information and resources are available on the Young Minds website - Symptoms of Psychosis
Treatments that can help
Many young people recover well from psychosis, especially when they receive support early.
Treatments may include:
- Talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp)
- Medications called antipsychotics
- Family Therapy, which supports both the young person and their family
If psychosis is related to drug use or a physical health condition, specific treatment may be needed to manage this.
Most young people recover from a psychotic episode, and many will never experience this again.
Speak to a doctor or seek urgent help if a young person:
- Is very distressed by voices or unusual experiences
- Strongly believes things that may put them or others at risk
- Seems very confused or unable to think clearly
- Has stopped eating, sleeping, or looking after themselves
- Withdraws completely from friends, school, or family
- Talks about harming themselves or feels unsafe.
If you are worried about immediate safety, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or attend your nearest A&E department.