Psychosis

What is psychosis?

• ASevere depression only
• BA state where someone loses touch with reality, experiencing delusions or hallucinations✓
• CMultiple personality disorder
• DInability to control emotions

Answer: Psychosis is a mental health condition involving loss of contact with reality, typically involving delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (false perceptions).

What is a delusion?

• AA false perception without external stimulus
• BA fixed, false belief held despite contrary evidence✓
• CDaydreaming or imagination
• DMisunderstanding information

Answer: A delusion is a firmly held false belief that persists despite clear evidence to the contrary, not based on cultural or religious norms.

What is a hallucination?

• AA false belief about something
• BSeeing images that aren't actually there
• CA false perception (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) without external stimulus✓
• DMemory loss

Answer: A hallucination is a false perception of any of the senses without an external stimulus. Most common are auditory hallucinations (hearing voices).

What is 'auditory hallucination'?

• ASeeing things that aren't there
• BHearing voices that others don't hear✓
• CTasting unusual flavors
• DImagining conversations

Answer: Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds, typically voices, that others cannot hear. These are the most common type of hallucination.

What is schizophrenia?

• ASplit personality or multiple personalities
• BA serious mental health condition involving psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive difficulties✓
• CTemporary confusion
• DDaydreaming too much

Answer: Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition characterized by positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (reduced motivation, speech), and cognitive impacts.

What are 'negative symptoms' in schizophrenia?

• AHearing voices
• BHaving false beliefs
• CReduced emotional expression, motivation, and social engagement✓
• DInability to remember

Answer: Negative symptoms include reduced emotional expression, motivation, speech, and social withdrawal - involving loss of normal functioning.

Can psychosis develop from drug use?

• ANo, drug use doesn't affect mental health
• BYes, some substances (especially stimulants and cannabis) can trigger drug-induced psychosis✓
• COnly from illegal drugs
• DOnly from prescription medications

Answer: Certain substances, particularly stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine), cannabis, and sometimes prescription medications can trigger psychotic episodes.

What is 'Early Intervention in Psychosis' (EIP)?

• AEmergency admission to hospital
• BSpecialist services providing assessment, treatment, and support within 2 weeks of first psychotic symptoms✓
• CWaiting for symptoms to resolve naturally
• DOnly for young adults

Answer: EIP services in the UK aim to identify and treat first-episode psychosis quickly, improving long-term outcomes. Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is minimized.

What is the 'prodrome' in psychosis?

• AThe first episode of full psychosis
• BHospitalization due to psychosis
• CEarly warning signs before full psychotic symptoms (changes in perception, ideas of reference, odd beliefs)✓
• DComplete recovery from psychosis

Answer: The prodromal phase involves subtle changes that may precede the first episode of psychosis, including changes in thinking, perception, and social functioning.

How should you respond to someone experiencing hallucinations or delusions?

• AArgue that their beliefs are wrong
• BPretend to believe them
• CRemain calm, validate their experience, avoid arguing, and help them access professional support✓
• DLaugh at them

Answer: Respond with respect and empathy without validating the false beliefs. Arguing is counterproductive; focus on the person's distress and connecting them to help.

What is paranoia in psychosis?

• AReasonable caution in dangerous situations
• BDelusional beliefs that others are conspiring, harming, or persecuting you✓
• CHealthy skepticism
• DAnxiety in social situations

Answer: Paranoid delusions involve false, persistent beliefs that others are plotting against, spying on, or intending harm to the person.

Can psychosis be treated?

• ANo, it's permanent
• BOnly medication works
• CYes, with antipsychotic medication, therapy, and support, recovery is possible✓
• DIt never improves

Answer: Psychosis is treatable. Antipsychotic medications are often used, alongside psychological support, family involvement, and social support.