Diagnosis

You should visit a GP if you're experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

It's important to speak to a GP as soon as possible because earlier treatment can be more effective.

Initial assessment

There's no test to positively diagnose psychosis. However, your GP will ask about your symptoms and possible causes.

For example, they may ask you:

• whether you're taking any medicines
• whether you've been taking illegal substances
• how your moods have been – for example, whether you've been depressed 
• how you've been functioning day-to-day – for example, whether you're still working
• whether you have a family history of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia
• about the details of your hallucinations, such as whether you've heard voices
• about the details of your delusions, such as whether you feel people are controlling you
• about any other symptoms you have

Referral

The evidence supporting the early treatment of psychosis means you're likely to be referred to a specialist urgently.

Who you're referred to will depend on the services available in your area. You may be referred to:

• a community mental health team – a team of mental health professionals who provide support to people with complex mental health conditions
• a crisis resolution team – a team of mental health professionals who treat people who would otherwise require treatment in hospital
• an early intervention team – a team of mental health professionals who work with people who have experienced their first episode of psychosis

These teams are likely to include some or all of the following healthcare professionals:

• a psychiatrist – a qualified medical doctor who has received further training in treating mental health conditions
• a community mental health nurse – a nurse with specialist training in mental health conditions
• a psychologist – a healthcare professional who specialises in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions

Your psychiatrist will carry out a full assessment to help identify and diagnose any underlying mental health condition that could be causing your symptoms. This will help when planning your treatment for psychosis.

Helping others

The lack of insight and level of distress associated with psychosis means people experiencing it are not always able to recognise their symptoms.

They may be reluctant to visit a GP if they believe there's nothing wrong with them. You may need to help them get support and treatment.

Someone who has had psychotic episodes in the past may have been assigned a mental health worker, who works in mental health or social services, so try to contact them.

If someone has very severe psychosis, they can be compulsorily detained at hospital for assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act (1983).

The mental health charity Mind has more information about the Mental Health Act (1983).

Mental Health Act (1983)

The Mental Health Act (1983) is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health condition.

Under the Act, a person can only be compulsorily admitted to hospital or another mental health facility (sectioned) if they:

• have a mental disorder of a nature or degree that makes admission to hospital appropriate
• should be detained in the interests of their own safety, for the protection of others, or both

Depending on the nature of the mental health disorder and the individual's circumstances, the length of time a person can be sectioned is:

• 72 hours
• 28 days
• 6 months

Before these time periods have elapsed, an assessment will be carried out to determine whether it's safe for the person to be discharged or further treatment is required.

If you're held under the Mental Health Act (1983), you can be treated against your will. However, certain treatments, such as brain surgery, cannot be carried out unless you consent to treatment.

Any person compulsorily detained has the right to appeal against the decision to a Mental Health Tribunal (MHT). This is an independent body that decides whether a patient should be discharged from hospital.

Driving

Having psychosis could affect your ability to drive.

It's your legal obligation to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that could affect your driving ability.

GOV.UK provides details about telling the DVLA about a medical condition.

Page last reviewed: Sat Dec 2022 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020