First Person Diagnosed with ‘Brexit Psychosis’

A doctor has warned of the effect on mental health that a hostile political climate can have after a man was diagnosed with acute psychosis that was triggered by the EU referendum.

The man, who is in his forties, found that his mental health rapidly deteriorated not long after the results of the referendum were announced. He suffered from hallucinations and became increasingly worried about racial incidents. He believed that he was being spied on and that talks on the radio were directed at him.

Describing his experience, he said, “I was looking at the electoral map of voting for the EU. I am in a constituency that reflects an opinion that is not for me.”

Dr Mohammad Zia Ul Haq Katshu, who treated the patient, said: “His wife reported that since the EU referendum results were declared on 24 June 2016, he started spending more time putting his thoughts across on social media. He found it difficult to reconcile with the political events happening around him. He became increasingly worried about racial incidents. His sleep deteriorated.”

After he was admitted, the patient, who was a remain voter, became agitated and attempted to “burrow” his way through the hospital floor with his hands to “get the hell out of this place”.

Within two weeks he had made a full recovery after treatment with an anti-psychotic drug.

He had had a similar episode thirteen years ago due to work-related stress but no family history of mental health or history of substance abuse.