The first step towards finding out if you or someone else is experiencing psychosis is to see a doctor or to contact a community mental health team via your local hospital.

Young people can visit a headspace centre. headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation and provides early intervention mental health services to 12 to 25-year-olds. Centres are located across metropolitan, regional and rural areas of Australia.

Psychosis assessment

A health professional will do a complete mental health assessment through an interview and may also wish to speak to a relative for more information. The purpose of the assessment is to find out:

• if the person is experiencing psychosis
• what might be causing it
• if there's an underlying mental illness
• what's the relevant family and medical history
• what's the best course of treatment

When someone has an episode of psychosis, a full medical examination is required. The person will need to be observed by a team of mental health professionals, either at home or in hospital.

Different tests may be required to work out the diagnosis and any underlying causes. Tests may include:

• Medical tests: There are a range of tests the doctor may perform, such as blood tests for abnormal electrolytes, hormone levels or infections. These tests can help work out the cause of the psychosis.
• Drug checks: Some drugs, such as LSD, marijuana and amphetamines, can cause psychosis. It’s important for a health professional to understand whether symptoms are associated with drug use.
• Brain scans: Sometimes doctors will scan the brain, using an MRI to check for any abnormalities.

Psychosis is treatable, so it’s important to seek help. A diagnosis is a start on the way to recovery.