Information for the public

What treatments should I be offered?

What treatments should I be offered?

Some treatments may not be suitable for you, depending on your exact circumstances. If you have questions about specific treatments and options, please talk to a member of your healthcare team.

The treatments you should be offered depend on the type of psychosis you have (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) and whether you are using alcohol, drugs or both. If you are offered medication as part of your treatment, your healthcare professional should tell you about any side effects of the medication and how using drugs and alcohol can interact with the medication and affect the way it works. Your healthcare professional should also discuss the problems and dangers of using drugs and alcohol to relieve any side effects you may have while taking medication.

You should be offered information about the risks of using drugs and alcohol and the effect that even small amounts of drugs and alcohol can have on the symptoms and treatment of psychosis.

Treatments for young people

The treatments for young people are similar to the treatments for adults, but healthcare professionals may adjust the treatment to suit your age and your needs.

Your healthcare team should make sure you receive all the help and support you need after you turn 18, which may include treatment and care from adult services.

Treatments for schizophrenia

The treatments for schizophrenia include both antipsychotic medication (usually in tablet or liquid form) and psychological therapies (sometimes called 'talking treatments'). For further details see the information for the public on psychosis and schizophrenia.

Treatments for bipolar disorder

The treatments for bipolar disorder include psychological treatments and medication for the manic episodes (or psychosis) and depression and to help you to stay well in the long term. For further details see the information for the public on bipolar disorder.

Treatments for drug use

The treatments for drug use depend on the kind of drug you are using, but may include:

  • detoxification

  • taking a drug substitute such as methadone or buprenorphine if you are dependent on heroin

  • an incentives programme

  • psychological treatments.

For further details see the information for the public on drug misuse in over 16s: psychosocial interventions and drug misuse in over 16s: opioid detoxification.

Treatments for alcohol use

The treatments for alcohol use may include detoxification to help you safely stop drinking, and psychological and drug treatments to help you to control, reduce or stop alcohol use. There are also treatments for physical health problems caused by alcohol use.

For further details see the information for the public on alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis and management of physical complications and alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking (high-risk drinking) and alcohol dependence.

Questions about treatment

  • What are the treatments for psychosis?

  • What are the treatments for drug and alcohol use?

  • Can I have treatments for psychosis and drug and/or alcohol use at the same time?

  • Do I have a choice about which treatment I have?

  • What will the treatment involve?

  • Can you give me a leaflet explaining the treatment?

  • What are the advantages, disadvantages and risks of this treatment?

  • What are the side effects of the medication I am being offered?

  • When should I start to feel better? What should happen if I don't start to feel better by then?

  • Would it help to make changes to my current treatment?

  • What other treatment options are there?

  • Information Standard