Empowering families affected by psychosis

Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs. Some common delusions include beliefs of:

being followed by others
being monitored by cameras
having special abilities or powers
hearing songs or comments that communicate a hidden message
having one’s thoughts controlled by an outside force.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations refer to changes in perception where people may hear, see, smell, taste or feel something that is not actually there. For example, they may hear voices or noises that no one else hears, see things that are not there or experience unusual physical sensations.

Disorganized speech, thoughts and behaviours

People experiencing psychosis may have thinking pattern changes and may find it hard to concentrate and follow a conversation. Their thoughts may speed up, slow down or become mixed, or their thoughts may not connect. They may also have disorganized speech, in which they switch rapidly from one subject to the next. A person’s behaviour also may be disorganized. For example, they may have difficulties with daily activities, such as cooking or self-care.