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. It can be triggered by a mental illness, a physical injury or illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma.

Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, involve psychosis that usually affects you for the first time in the late teen years or early adulthood. Young people are especially likely to get it, but doctors don’t know why. Even before what doctors call the first episode of psychosis (FEP), you may show slight changes in the way you act or think. This is called the prodromal period and could last days, weeks, months, or even years.

Symptoms of Psychosis:

• A drop in grades or job performance, Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
• Suspiciousness or unease around others, Lack of self-care or hygiene
• Spending more time alone than usual, Stronger emotions than situations call for, No emotions at all
• Hear, see, or taste things others don’t
• Hang on to unusual beliefs or thoughts, no matter what others say