Approximately 3 in 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis in their lifetime, but not everyone experiences psychosis the same way. There are many types of psychosis and several conditions and events that can lead to it.
Psychosis is not a condition on its own. It is actually a symptom that is present in a variety of mental health disorders, or it can occur as a response to brain changes, traumatic events, injuries, or substance use.
Definition of Psychosis
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and World Health Organization (WHO), psychosis is defined by the experience of hallucinations, delusions, or both. Individuals may have little or no insight into their symptoms.
Psychosis involves neuropsychiatric symptoms that lead to an impaired sense of reality. These symptoms may cause a disruption in a person’s ability to function in everyday life, whether that’s going to school, work, or maintaining relationships.
Types
There is no universally recognized system for classifying psychosis. There are different types of events or conditions that might cause psychosis.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychosis is a primary symptom of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. These disorders are included in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)” category labeled “Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders.”
Psychotic disorders in this category include:
Schizophrenia Schizophreniform disorder Schizoaffective disorder Delusional disorder Brief psychotic disorder Unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder Other specified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder
Other Mental Health Conditions
Other mental health conditions, not within the DSM-5’s psychotic disorder category, can also lead to psychosis.
These conditions include:
Bipolar disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Postpartum psychosis Severe major depressive disorder
Organic Psychosis
Organic psychosis, also referred to as secondary psychosis, occurs due to an acquired change in brain function.
Causes of organic psychosis include:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia Stroke Other brain abnormalities
Substance-Induced Psychosis
Psychosis can also be caused by substance or medication use. Alcohol, cannabis, and certain illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine, can cause psychosis.
Some prescription medications, including anxiolytics and sedatives among others, can cause psychosis. Withdrawal from medications can also lead to psychosis.
This type of psychosis is defined as “Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder” in the DSM-5.
Signs and Symptoms
Psychosis is a symptom of other conditions, including psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia. A few specific symptoms must be present for someone to be said to be experiencing a psychotic episode.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Psychosis symptoms include:
HallucinationsDelusionsDisordered thinking
Hallucination
Hallucinations are defined as false sensory experiences or sensory experiences in the absence of a stimulus. Hallucinations are described depending on the sensory system, and can include auditory hallucinations or visual hallucinations.
Delusion
A delusion is defined as a fixed, false belief. Examples of common delusions include thinking that the television has special messages for you, believing others are plotting against you, believing someone (usually a celebrity) is in love with you, believing your thoughts are being controlled, and more.
Disordered Thinking
Disordered thinking, when severe to the point that it impairs communication, is another symptom of psychosis. Examples of disordered thinking include fast, racing thoughts, derailment, perseveration (uncontrollable repetitive thoughts), illogicality, tangentiality, and more.
Early Warning Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes other symptoms may present before a person experiences a full-blown psychotic episode. Knowing these early warning symptoms can help you get appropriate intervention to reduce the risks of psychosis.
Early warning signs of a psychotic disorder may include:
A drop in grades or job performanceDifficulty concentratingIncreased isolationWithdrawal from family, friends, and colleaguesSudden decline in self-care and hygieneStrong emotions or lack of emotionsSuspiciousness or distrust of othersUnusual thoughts or beliefs that are contradictory to what the majority of others believe
Diagnosing the Type
If you or someone you know experiences a psychotic episode or symptoms of psychosis, it is important to seek medical attention.
Sometimes, a person only experiences one psychotic episode. If this episode lasts longer than one day and shorter than one month, it may be diagnosed as a brief psychotic disorder.
Seeking a diagnosis can help you receive the correct treatment for your condition and alleviate other symptoms you might be experiencing. If you are experiencing psychosis as a result of medication or substances, your healthcare provider can also work with you to find the best way to address substance use issues.
A Word From Verywell
It is important to talk to your primary care healthcare provider or psychiatrist if you experience any symptoms of psychosis. Getting a diagnosis and treatment is vital so you can experience an improved quality of life.
