The term psychosis is derived from the Greek word “psyche” and “-osis” for abnormal condition. It refers to a loss of contact with reality, which usually involve delusions, hallucinations and severely disordered thinking, or a combination thereof. The following symptoms are associated with psychosis:

Abnormal displays of emotion;
Confusion;
Depression and sometimes suicidal thoughts;
Disorganized thought and speech;
Extreme excitement (mania);
False beliefs (delusions);
Loss of touch with reality;
Mistaken perceptions (illusions);
Seeing, hearing, feeling, or perceiving things that are not there (hallucinations);
and unfounded fear/suspicion.

The DSM-IV-TR classifies psychosis into three categories- traditional psychotic illnesses, psychosis due to General Medical conditions and Substance induced psychosis- and the treatments vary accordingly. There are many possible causes of psychosis, including:

Alcohol and certain drugs;
Brain tumors;
Dementia;
Epilepsy;
Stroke;
Manic depression;
Psychotic depression; and
Schizophrenia.

Many psychotic patients are treated with antipsychotic drugs, which can lessen the incidences of hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior. Individual and group mental health therapy can also help the recovery process.

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