Recognising symptoms

When odd behaviour is experienced or observed, it makes good sense to seek advice from a doctor. Acute psychosis may occur suddenly, but more often it will develop over a period of time. The following symptoms are important:

• Marked change in personality
• A constant feeling of being watched
• Difficulty controlling one's thoughts
• Inability to "turn off imagination"
• Hearing voices or sounds others don't hear
• Increased withdrawal from social contact
• Seeing people or things that others don't see
• Difficulties with language, words do not make sense
• Sudden excesses, such as extreme religiosity
• Irrational, angry or fearful responses to loved ones
• Sleeplessness and agitation.

These symptoms, even in combination, may not be evidence of psychosis.  They could be the result of injury, drug use or extreme emotional distress.