Psychotic Symptoms....

Psychosis can lead to changes in mood and thinking and to abnormal ideas.

Confused thinking:  Everyday clear thoughts become confused or don't join up properly.  Thought seem to slow down or speed up.

False Beliefs: It is common for people who are having a psychotic episode to hold false beliefs (known as DELUSIONS).  The person is so convinced of their delusion that even the most logical argument cannot make them change their mind.

Hallucinations: In psychosis, the person sees, hears, smells, feels or tastes something that is not actually there.  For example, they may hear voices that no-one else can hear, or see things which aren't really there.

Changed Feelings: How someone feels may change for no apparent reason.  They may feel strange and cut off from the world with everything feeling in slow motion.  Mood swings are common and they may feel unusually excited or depressed. 

Changed Behaviour: People with psychosis behave differently from the way they usually do.  They may be extremely lethargic, sitting around all day.  They may laugh innappropriately or become angry or upset for no reason.

Drugs and Psychosis

Use of, or withdrawal from, drugs (especially CANNABIS - Marijuana) and alcohol can be associated with the appearance of psychotic symptoms.  Sometimes these symptoms will go away as the effects of the substance in your body wears off.  In other cases, the psychotic symptoms last longer, but begin with what is called "drug-induced psychosis".