Psychosis

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. You might see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it. Psychosis is a word to describe a set of symptoms that include delusions, hallucinations and disturbed thinking. The experience of these symptoms is called a psychotic episode.

Psychotic episodes can vary in length: they can last for a few days; they can continue indefinitely until they are treated, or they can come and go. If you have a psychotic episode, you may be unaware that you are unwell. You may believe that what you are experiencing is happening and that you are being followed, that your life is at risk, or that you are being threatened, for instance. Mental health professionals call this ‘lack of insight’.

 

Psychosis is a symptom of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. It can also be a symptom of dementia, some forms of personality disorder and Parkinson’s disease. People who abuse drugs and alcohol sometimes experience symptoms of psychosis, and psychosis can occur as a side effect of some types of medication. Psychotic experiences can be triggered by severe stress or anxiety, severe depression or sleep deprivation.

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