Psychosis

Psychosis is a group of symptoms that affect the mind, causing a loss of contact with reality (). During a psychotic episode, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are altered, making it difficult for an individual to distinguish between what is real and what is not.

There is no single cause of psychosis. It is believed to result from a complex mix of genetic factors, neuropsychological factors, and/or exposure to stress or trauma. Psychosis can be a symptom of mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. However, a person may experience psychosis without being diagnosed with any of these conditions.