Karly has always been a bright and active girl but lately something has changed. She is irritable with her mother; late for netball training, behind in her school work and is at risk of losing her casual job at the supermarket. Something isn’t right at the moment with Karly.
Karly isn’t crazy. Hearing a voice whisper her name occasionally does not mean Karly is psychotic. However Karly is at an increased risk of developing a psychosis. There are changes to her mood, behaviour, ability to function as well as the occasional odd experience and this is a common presentation of young people prior to becoming unwell with a psychosis. Being at risk does not mean Karly will definitely become psychotic and there could be other explanations for her experiences. If Karly does start developing a psychosis the quicker she gets treatment the better. For these reasons it is important what is happening for Karly is further explored.