page 3. Psychosis: You should know...

What should you do?

If you, or some close to you, is experiencing symptoms of psychosis:

• Don't wait. Look for help. Many persons with psychosis wait a long time before seeking treatment. But recovery is more difficult when effective treatment is delayed.
• Talk to your family doctor. They can refer you to a specialist for a full assessment. At present, early psychosis intervention is the focus of much interest in the mental health community. Many medical and mental health professionals are themselves learning about the best approaches to treatment. Some cities in Canada already have centers designed specifically for the treatment of early psychosis.
• Ask questions. Be persistent. It is important to consult with a medical professional who is familiar with early psychosis.
• Educate yourself. Get the facts. There is a great deal of information available about early psychosis and recent developments in treatment. An excellent starting point is the web site developed by the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Center (EPPIC) in Melbourne, Australia; http://www.vicnet.net.au/~eppic most public libraries provide free access to the internet.

Psychosis...

• is a common medical condition affecting 3% of the population
• results from a disruption in brain functioning
• can radically alter a persons' thoughts, beliefs, perceptions and behaviour
• affects males and females equally
• tends to emerge durring adolescence and young adulthood
• is more likely to occur in families with a history of serious mental illness
• can be effectively treated