For Young People
For Parents/Carers
For Schools
About us
Log in/Sign up

Urgent help

ReachOut homeReachOut home
    • Bullying
    • Challenges and coping
    • Identity
    • Mental health issues
    • Mental wellbeing
    • Relationships
    • Study, work and money
    • Coronavirus support
    • View all
    • PeerChat
    • Online Community
    • Ask ReachOut
    • Tools and apps
    • NextStep
  • First Nations
​

Urgent help

​

  1. Mental health issues
  2. Psychotic disorders

psychotic disorders desktop topic banner

Psychotic disorders

People with psychosis have trouble interpreting what's going on around them. They may have confused thoughts, false beliefs or delusions, hallucinations, strong feelings that they can't control, or behaviour that seems odd to others. Psychosis is most likely to occur in young adults, and although it can be a scary experience, most people are able to make a full recovery.

Boy in hospital ER

What is psychosis?

Find out what psychosis is and its possible causes, the symptoms of psychosis, the different types of psychosis, and what you can do if you experience a psychotic episode.

Bearded man wearing black beanie

What is schizophrenia?

Find out about the different forms of treatment for psychotic disorders, including medication, psychological therapies and self-help strategies.

Boy talking to a doctor

Support services for psychotic disorders

The symptoms of psychotic disorders can be managed and treated - but it’s important to get help as early as possible.

Girl with doctor looking at ReachOut pamphlet

Jennifer talks about getting help for schizoaffective disorder

Dealing with the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can be pretty confronting. Jennifer found the courage within herself to seek support.

Boy sleeping on his side

Ben's experience of hearing unwelcome voices and taking back control

Ben talks about his experience of hearing voices, seeking help and regaining control.

Related topics

Bipolar disorderDepressionProfessional help
ReachOut home
  • PeerChat
  • Online Community
  • Tools and apps
  • NextStep
  • Young people
  • Parents/carers
  • Schools
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Get involved
  • Make a complaint
  • FAQs
Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

  • Young people
  • Parents
  • Schools
  • Get involved
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Make a complaint
  • About us
Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

© ReachOut Australia 2025

Terms and conditions | Privacy policy | Sitemap