Psychosis

What is Psychosis

Psychosis is a treatable brain illness affecting the mind.  It typically affects young adults between the ages of 16-26.  It can lead to disturbance of thoughts, changes in mood and affect, distortions in perception and changes in behaviour.  Symptoms of psychosis include: belief of being watched, followed or persecuted by other, lack of emotional response or inappropriate emotional display, hearing voices that no one else hears or seeing things that are not there, or being extremely active or lethargic.

Early warning signs

• trouble concentrating or thinking clearly;
• confusion about what is real or imaginary;
• hearing voices or seeing things that aren't really there;
• feeling suspicious or paranoid;
• disorganized speech, racing or slowed-down thoughts;
• irrational ideas of special identity or abilities;
• problems with social activities at work or at school.

What causes Psychosis

• biological factors
• alcohol and substance use
• response to life stress
• head injury or physical illness.

Early intervention

Early identification combined with appropriate early intervention can greatly minimize the consequences associated with psychosis. The longer the illness is left untreated, the greater the disruption to the person's family, friends, studies and work.

EEPIC

The Edmonton Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EEPIC) is a specialized mental health program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis and providing support to their families.  EEPIC is a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers working together to diagnose, treat and educate about psychosis. 

Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit

The Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit (BSRU) was established in 2001 with a generous donation from the Bebensee family.  The aims of BSRU include:
strengthen, expand and increase research productivity in schizophrenia
improve understanding of the pathology (origins) of schizophrenia, its treatment, and effects on the family.

Referrals to EEPIC

Referrals to EEPIC can be initiated by individuals or family members of someone experiencing signs of psychosis, by a family physician or another health care professional. Phone and email referrals are accepted.
 
A referral to EEPIC should be made for any individual, aged 16-35 years of age who:

• is displaying signs and symptoms of psychosis or has been hospitalized for a first episode psychosis;
• has had less than three months' exposure to antipsychotic medications;
• has been experiencing signs of psychosis for less than 12 months.

Contact :

Edmonton Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic
Regional Mental Health Program
9942 108 Street, 5th floor
Edmonton, AB, T5K-2J5
Tel: (780) 429-7890
Fax: (780) 422-0832

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)