Early Intervention in Psychosis

Psychosis is more common than you think. Research shows that people are most likely to experience psychosis for the first time in their late teens to early thirties, but it can happen for many different reasons.

This could be because of increased stress from a change in circumstances, or addiction to substances like drugs.

You may feel that something isn't right, but can't quite identify what the problem is. It may be that you feel suspicious or paranoid, experience loss of sleep or appetite, or find it difficult to concentrate.

Symptoms can be different from person to person, but there are common things to look out for, such as:

• Seeing, hearing or feeling sensations of things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Feeling as though an outside force or person is interfering with your thoughts or actions, known as ideas of reference
• Thinking that people are conspiring against you (paranoia), that you have special powers or skills, or that people on TV or the radio are talking to or about you (delusion)
• Having constant trouble putting thoughts in order or keeping track of usual tasks, also known as thought disorder

The symptoms of psychosis vary a lot between individuals and you might not experience all of the signs here.

See a list of Psychosis symptoms on the NHS website (opens new browser tab)

People can recover fully from psychosis, so make sure you help as soon as you notice the signs. 

Watch this video we created together with Epic Minds to learn more about psychosis, and hear of other people’s experiences.

Watch the EPIC MINDS - What is Psychosis video on Vimeo (opens new browser tab)

If you think you’re experiencing psychosis, we can help guide you through your recovery.

We offer support in a number of different ways, such as:

• Educating you, your friends and family about psychosis
• Creating care and advice plans to help you through a crisis
• Offering personal medication advice and support
• Supporting you in your education or employment
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) with our Talking Treatment team, to help treat psychotic symptoms

If you’ve been referred to us, you’ll be seen within two weeks and provided with a personal care plan.

We’ll check in with you regularly for up to six months, and offer support with ongoing care for up to three years.

To access our service, you must be aged 14 to 65, and have been diagnosed with psychosis by a healthcare professional.

You can contact us directly or ask your local GP to refer you into our service. We’ll arrange an assessment for you within two weeks.

Call 0300 365 2000 (Press option 4)

Email gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk

Call our EIP team 0118 904 6399

If you need more urgent help, you can contact our Crisis Resolution Home Treatment team.

Call 0300 365 9999

You can contact us between the following times.

Our mental health teams and services, including Talking Therapies, are available if you need support. 

Find out how to access mental health support (opens new browser tab)

You can also find resources and guides on our website to help you if you need more advice.  

Resources to help with your mental health wellbeing (opens new browser tab)

Our Neurodiversity Passport can help you communicate your needs to our staff. It covers sensory processing, your communication preferences, and topics that might make you feel anxious and overwhelmed, so that we can support you.   

Read about our neurodiversity passport