Vancouver/Richmond EPI
Early Psychosis Intervention

Do I Have a Problem?

The following is a list of changes in thinking, feeling and behaviour that occur quite commonly . These changes may be caused by any number of things that can happen to a young person. Sometimes, these changes when present for longer than a few days may indicate the beginning or prodromal phase of a psychotic illness. (Psychotic means: out of touch with reality).

Deterioration in school performance
Deterioration in work performance
Isolating self from friends and family
No interest in socializing (or much less active than usual)
Sleep disturbance
Sudden appetite changes
Loss of energy or motivation
Feeling somehow different from others or that things in the environment seem changed
Difficulties with concentration, memory, attention
Thoughts feel slowed down or speeded up
Odd, unusual ideas or behaviour
Vague rambling speech that may not make a lot of sense
Feelings of suspiciousness, depression, anxiety, tension, irritability, anger or mood swings
Preoccupation with a particular theme
A feeling that you have that something's not quite right with the person. They have changed somehow, they seem different, and you can't quite put your finger on it.
Hearing sounds or voices when alone in a room
Seeing things that others can't see
Complaining of being followed or watched
Thinking one has special powers
Spending excessive amounts of money impulsively without sufficient resources
Increased energy, feelings of euphoria
Over inflated sense of one's importance
Thoughts of harming self or others
Threats or aggressive behaviour

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