Fact sheet: Psychosis and Schizophrenia

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition in which people experience a distorted sense of reality. It may involve hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not), delusions (strong beliefs that are not based in reality), disorganised thinking, or lack of insight into one’s condition. Psychosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and can occur in conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and due to substance use or medical conditions.


What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves episodes of psychosis, alongside other symptoms such as:

- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganised speech and behaviour
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

Schizophrenia affects about 1 in 100 people and typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms:

Psychosis and schizophrenia can look different from person to person, but some common early warning signs include:

- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Sudden drop in work performance
- Unusual beliefs or paranoia
- Hearing voices or seeing things others don’t
- Speaking in ways that are hard to follow
- Changes in sleep or personal hygiene

Risk Factors:

- Genetic predisposition (family history of mental illness)
- Brain chemistry and structure
- Traumatic or stressful life events
- Substance misuse (e.g., cannabis, LSD)
- Infections or complications during pregnancy or birth

Treatment for bipolar disorder:

As no two people with bipolar disorder are exactly the same, treatment methods that are helpful to some people may not be for others. Doctors, counsellors and other helping professionals may work alongside you to find a treatment, or combination of treatments, which help to ease your symptoms. Common treatments for depression include:

  • Medication to prevent episodes of mania and depression. These are known as mood stabilizers are taken every day over a prolonged period of time.
  • Medication to treat the primary symptoms of mania and/or depression as they occur.
  • Psychological treatments, such as talking therapies, which help individuals recognize triggers, identify the signs of episodes and process underlying causes for their condition.
  • Lifestyle changes may be recommended to help to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence. These may include regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, a balanced diet and a healthy routine.


How access help and support

If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, you are not alone and help is available!

Reach out to your GP: When you talk to your GP about your mental health they'll listen, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you. These services may come from your GP surgery, a large local health centre, a specialist mental health clinic or a hospital.

Lifeline: Lifeline is a free 24/7 crisis response helpline service for those experiencing distress or despair. Lifeline is there to help 24 hours a day and can be contacted on: 0808 808 8000

Bipolar UK: Bipolar UK is a national mental health charity that support individuals, families and carers who are affected by bipolar disorder. Their services include peer led support services, a peer support line, self-management courses and resources. Website: https://www.bipolaruk.org/

Aware NI: Aware NI offers online and face-to-face support groups to those living with bipolar, depression or anxiety. They also offer an email support service to provide support, information and signposting. Website: https://aware-ni.org/

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