December 14, 2018

“Psychosis: Delusions”

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Someone with first episode of psychosis can also have delusions.
Delusions are firmly held beliefs which are not based on reality or are a distorted version of reality.
For instance they believe they are God, or they are being plotted against, or they are under surveillance, or that they have a radio transmitter planted in the head, or that the TV is speaking them directly.

These beliefs are real... to the person experiencing them and may cause them to have strong feelings such as fear, anger, or elation.

Confused thinking
Thoughts become confused, jumbled or nonsensical
Thoughts may seem to speed up or slow down
Person may have difficulty concentrating, speaking clearly or understanding a conversation, or remembering things
Person may have difficulty understanding the intentions of others in social situations
Changed feelings
Unexplained mood swings
Overexcited, depressed or anxious
Hard to feel emotion - numb and shut out
Changed behaviour
More active and impulsive than usual
Less active - sit around all day, sleep a lot
Laugh or become upset at no apparent reason
Remember, this too will pass with good help and support.