Psychosis
Psychosis is a serious mental condition in which a person loses touch with reality. It affects how a person thinks, perceives, and interprets the world around them. People experiencing psychosis may see, hear, or believe things that are not real. It can be frightening and confusing, both for the individual and those close to them. Psychosis is a symptom, not a disease itself, and it can occur as part of many mental or physical conditions.
Symptoms
- Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren't there)
- Delusions (strongly held false beliefs, such as thinking someone is watching or controlling them)
- Disorganized thinking and speech (jumping from one idea to another, making no sense)
- Abnormal behavior (agitation, confusion, or acting in strange ways)
- Lack of insight (not realizing their experiences are not real)
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
Causes
- Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
- Substance use (drugs like LSD, cannabis, cocaine, or alcohol withdrawal)
- Medical conditions (brain tumors, epilepsy, dementia, or infections affecting the brain)
- Trauma or extreme stress
- Genetic factors (family history of psychosis or related conditions)
- Chemical imbalances in the brain (especially involving dopamine)
Treatment
Psychosis is treatable, especially when addressed early. Treatment typically includes antipsychotic medications to reduce or eliminate hallucinations and delusions, psychotherapy (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), hospital care in severe cases to ensure safety and stabilization, ongoing support from mental health professionals, family, and community services. Lifestyle changes and avoiding substance use can also help prevent relapses.