Mental Health Services
Hospital Admission If you become very distressed during a psychotic episode, you may be admitted to a hospital, either as a voluntary patient or as…
Psychological Therapies
Talking Treatments There is good evidence that talking treatments, including counselling, psychodynamic psychotherapy and, especially, cognitive behavioural therapy, can reduce distress and the intensity and…
Medication
Most people diagnosed with a psychotic illness will be offered antipsychotic medication. Some antipsychotics can have very unwelcome side effects (lethargy, a shuffling walk and…
Delusions
Unfounded Beliefs A delusion means holding an unshakeable belief that other people would regard as groundless. For example, the delusion could be the belief that…
Hallucinations
Each person’s experience of psychosis though unique can have shared features. The majority hear voices, but others experience non-verbal thoughts, images and visions, tastes, smells…
Drug Interactions with Antidepressants
If you are prescribed antidepressants, it’s important to inform your doctor about any drugs you are currently taking, as antidepressants can interact with a number…
Children & Antidepressants
Antidepressant drugs are not licensed for the treatment of depression in children under 16 years old. The NICE guidelines on depression in children and young…
Pregnant & Nursing Mothers
Although few drugs have been proven to cause birth defects, great caution is necessary with drugs during pregnancy. A balance has to be struck between…