Psychosis can involve delusions, hallucinations, confused thinking or marked changes in behaviour. These experiences can occur in several psychiatric and medical conditions, and they should not be assumed to mean that a person is dangerous.
If someone appears acutely distressed or disconnected from reality, arguing aggressively about whether their beliefs are “true” is rarely helpful. A calmer approach is to acknowledge the person’s distress without reinforcing the content of a delusion, reduce stimulation where possible and encourage professional assessment.
Safety matters. If there is an immediate risk of serious harm, urgent emergency help may be needed. Otherwise, contacting the person’s mental-health team, GP, NHS 111 or an appropriate local crisis service may be more suitable depending on the circumstances.
Psychosis is treatable, and early assessment can help identify possible causes, including mental-health conditions, substance use, medication effects or physical illness. Friends and family can be valuable sources of support, but they should not be expected to diagnose or manage a severe episode alone.
The language used around psychosis also matters. Describing people as unpredictable, irrational or threatening can reinforce stigma and may discourage people from seeking help.
