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Psychosis

Definition

Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality, usually including false ideas about what is taking place or who one is (delusions) and seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations).

Alternative Names

Psychotic

Causes

Psychosis is a severe mental condition in which there is a loss of contact with reality. There are many possible causes:

Alcohol and certain drugs
Brain tumors
Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
Epilepsy
Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
Psychotic depression
Schizophrenia
Stroke

Symptoms

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)
Unfounded fear/suspicion

Exams and Tests

Psychological evaluation and testing are used to diagnose the cause of the psychosis.

Laboratory and x-ray testing may not be needed, but sometimes can help pinpoint the exact diagnosis. Tests may include:

Drug screens
MRI of the brain
Tests for syphilis

Treatment

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person will do depends on the specific disorder. Long-term treatment can control many of the symptoms.

Possible Complications

Psychosis can prevent people from functioning normally and caring for themselves. If the condition is left untreated, people can harm themselves or others.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider or mental health professional if a member of your family acts as though they have lost contact with reality. If there is any concern about safety, immediately take the person to the nearest emergency room to be checked.

Prevention

Prevention depends on the cause. For example, avoiding alcohol abuse prevents alcohol-induced psychosis.

References

International Early Psychosis Association Writing Group. International clinical practice guidelines for early psychosis. Br J Psychiatry. 2005;187:s120-s124.

Addington D, Bouchard RH, Goldberg J, Honer B, Malla A, Norman R, Tempier R. Clinical practice guidelines: treatment of schizophrenia. Can J Psychiatry. 2005;50:7S-57S.

Review Date: 2/6/2008
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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