Signs that someone may be experiencing psychosis include hearing or seeing things other people don’t, strongly held unusual beliefs, or confused thinking and speech. These experiences can have different causes, so you can’t diagnose psychosis yourself.

If you’re concerned about someone, getting professional help early is a good next step.

What are the signs of psychosis?

Psychosis is when someone experiences reality differently from the people around them. It can feel very real to the person experiencing it.

Possible signs include:

• Hallucinations: Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting things other people don’t. Hearing voices is one example. 
• Delusions: Strongly held beliefs that other people don’t share, such as believing they’re being watched, followed or have special powers. 
• Changes in thinking or speech: Thoughts may feel fast or confused. Someone might switch quickly between subjects, find it hard to concentrate or become difficult to follow.

These signs don’t tell you the cause. Psychosis can happen once or be linked to a mental or physical health condition, severe stress, lack of sleep, some medicines, drugs or alcohol. There isn’t one single cause. 

Read more about the signs of psychosis.

Does psychosis mean schizophrenia?

No. Experiencing psychosis does not automatically mean someone has a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Psychosis can be part of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression and other conditions. This is why an assessment by a healthcare professional matters: similar experiences can have different causes and may need different support.

How can I get help for someone experiencing psychosis?

If you’re noticing possible signs of psychosis for the first time, encourage the person to get professional support. A general practitioner (GP) can help.

In England, an NHS Early Intervention in Psychosis service can support people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Depending on the local service, the person, a friend or a relative may be able to make a referral.

If someone needs urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111. You can call on someone else’s behalf. If there’s an immediate risk to life or of serious harm, call 999.

Knowing what to do when someone you care about is unwell can be difficult. If you're worried about someone right now, read our guidance on getting help for someone in a mental health crisis and find the right next step.