Acute Psychosis
Acute psychosis is a sudden loss of contact with reality involving hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking or markedly disturbed behaviour.
Key takeaways
- It can arise from mental illness, substance use, medicine effects, sleep deprivation or an acute medical or neurological condition.
- Safety, physical examination and collateral information from family or carers are immediate priorities.
- Antipsychotic medicine may reduce symptoms, but treatment must also address the underlying cause and longer-term relapse risk.
The listings below are not appropriate for unsupervised treatment; acute psychosis requires urgent professional assessment.
What urgent assessment covers
Clinicians assess danger to the person or others, agitation, hydration, orientation and ability to meet basic needs. Sudden onset, fever, head injury, seizures, intoxication or fluctuating consciousness increase concern for a medical cause. Tests depend on the presentation.
Treatment and follow-up
A calm, low-stimulation environment and verbal de-escalation are used where possible. Medicine choice depends on the suspected cause, physical health, previous response and risks such as movement effects or heart-rhythm changes. Once the crisis settles, follow-up focuses on diagnosis, adherence, substance use and early warning signs.
When to seek urgent care
Get emergency help for immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others, severe agitation, inability to eat or drink, a seizure, collapse, fever with confusion or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.