Psychosis or psychotic experiences can occur for a range of reasons and may be part of a number of illness presentations. They are symptoms which affect how a person experiences reality, involving symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, or significant changes in behaviour or perception. Psychotic disorders are conditions defined by the recurrent or persistent experience of psychosis. They are often misunderstood, and many people live with psychotic experiences for some time before receiving the right support. With appropriate care, most people with psychotic disorders can lead meaningful, connected lives.

 

Symptoms

  • Hallucinations, hearing, seeing, or experiencing things that others do not
  • Delusions, strongly held beliefs that are not shared by others and may be difficult to shift
  • Disorganised thinking or speech
  • Significant changes in behaviour, motivation, or self-care
  • Withdrawal from relationships and activities
  • Difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not

 

How we can help

Psychological and psychiatric support for people experiencing psychotic disorders is available at Eucalyptus Psychology. The psychiatrists at Eucalyptus are experienced with psychotic and quasi-psychotic phenomena, particularly those arising in the context of trauma, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental complexity. They take a careful, formulation-based approach to understanding each person’s experience. The focus is on these kinds of presentations rather than primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, or patients transitioning from tertiary mental health services. Please contact reception to discuss whether psychiatry at Eucalyptus is the right fit before making a referral. Care often involves medication management alongside psychological support.

Psychologists at Eucalyptus may work collaboratively with the psychiatrists on shared cases, where helpful, to support the psychological, social, and relational aspects of a person’s experience, including building insight, managing distress, and strengthening relationships and daily functioning. Whether and how shared care happens is a matter for the practitioners involved.

The right support depends on where someone is in their journey. The team at Eucalyptus aims to meet each person with compassion and without judgement. Family members and carers are an important part of the picture, and their involvement is welcomed where appropriate.

 

Getting help

A GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates for psychiatric consultations. Your GP can refer directly to psychiatry at Eucalyptus. Please contact reception to discuss the right starting point for you or your family member.