Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality, usually including false beliefs about what is taking place or who one is (delusions) and seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations).
A number of substances and medical conditions can cause psychosis, including:
Psychosis is also part of a number of psychiatric disorders, including:
Psychotic symptoms may include:
Psychiatric evaluation and testing are used to diagnose the cause of the psychosis.
Laboratory testing and brain scans may not be needed, but sometimes can help pinpoint the diagnosis. Tests may include:
Treatment depends on the cause of the psychosis. Care in a hospital is often needed to ensure the patient's safety.
Antipsychotic drugs, which reduce hallucinations and delusions and improve thinking and behavior are helpful, whether the cause is a medical or psychiatric disorder.
See: Schizophrenia for more information about the treatment of psychosis.
How well a person does depends on the cause of the psychosis. If the cause can be corrected, the outlook is often good, and treatment with antipsychotic medication may be brief.
Some chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia, may need life-long treatment with antipsychotic medications to control symptoms.
Psychosis can prevent people from functioning normally and caring for themselves. If the condition is left untreated, people can sometimes harm themselves or others.
Call your health care provider or mental health professional if you or a member of your family is losing contact with reality. If there is any concern about safety, immediately take the person to the nearest emergency room to be seen by a doctor.
Prevention depends on the cause. For example, avoiding alcohol abuse prevents alcohol-induced psychosis.