Psychotic symptoms can occur in an isolated episode or as part of an ongoing diagnosed illness such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression or schizoaffective disorder.
Psychotic illness has a severe and often lifelong impact of those affected, their families and friends
Read more here: PAT insights 1 MH
People living with psychotic illness die 10-20 years earlier than other Australians
Read more here: PAT insights 2 PH
Recovery and social inclusion are inhibited by social isolation and loneliness, lack of effective employment support and financial concerns
Read more here: PAT insights 3 SS
Many people with psychosis want to work, but are unable to find and retain suitable employment
Read more here: PAT insights 4 EMPL
The isolation of many people with psychosis is a painful added burden to the symptoms, disability, poor physical health and social disadvantage already experienced
Read more here: PAT insights 5 SI
The causes of psychosis are not fully understood. It is likely that psychosis is caused by a combination of hereditary and other factors. Psychosis may be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stress and certain drugs (for example, marijuana, speed or LSD) can trigger the first episode of psychosis.
Psychotic disorders cause great suffering:
Approximately three in 100 people will experience a psychotic episode at some point in their life. Some people only experience a few episodes of psychosis or a brief episode that lasts for a few days or weeks. Others will experience symptoms more frequently, in association with a longer-term illness such as schizophrenia. The first episode of psychosis usually occurs in a person’s late teens or early 20s.
Bi-polar Disorder >