Information for the public

Questions to ask about psychosis and schizophrenia

These questions may help you discuss your condition or the treatments you have been offered with your healthcare team.

Finding out what's wrong

  • Why am I being offered an assessment?

  • What could have caused my symptoms?

  • Who can I contact if I have a crisis or if my symptoms get worse?

  • Are there any support organisations in my local area?

  • Can you provide any information for my family or carers?

First episode of psychosis

  • Where can I have treatment?

  • Can I choose to stay in hospital for treatment?

  • What happens if I decide not to have antipsychotic medication?

  • Can I write down something about what treatment I would like?

Treatments

  • How will the treatment help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?

  • How long will it take to have an effect?

  • Are there any risks associated with this treatment?

  • What are my options for treatments other than the recommended treatment?

  • Are there any leaflets about the treatment(s) that I can have?

  • How long will psychological treatments last?

  • How long will I have to take medication?

  • Might I have problems when I stop taking the medication?

  • Are there any serious side effects associated with this medication that are likely to affect me?

  • What should I do if I get any side effects? (For example, should I call my GP, or go to the accident and emergency department at a hospital?)

  • Are there any long-term effects of taking this medication?

Questions for family members and carers to ask

  • Can you give me some information about psychosis or schizophrenia, and the treatments for it?

  • Is there anything in particular that I can do to support my family member?

  • Can you give me any information about specialist support for families and carers, such as helplines?

  • Who can I contact for help during a crisis?

  • What help and support is available to me?

  • Can I have a carer's assessment? What does it involve?

  • Information Standard