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URLhttps://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis
Last Crawled2026-04-01 04:54:31 (11 days ago)
First Indexed2017-09-24 13:30:11 (8 years ago)
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Meta TitlePsychosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors
Meta DescriptionPsychosis is a state of impaired reality and can be a symptom of a serious mental health condition. We explain its symptoms, causes, and risk factors.
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Psychosis is a state of impaired reality, which may include hallucinations and delusions. It may occur due to an underlying medical condition, substance use, or as a symptom of a psychotic disorder. Treatment and therapy can support recovery. Experiencing psychosis can impair your daily functioning. It can have a negative effect on various aspects of your life, such as work, school, or your ability to maintain relationships. Each person may experience psychosis differently. Some people may have experiences that put themselves and others at risk of harm. It’s important to get medical help right away if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of psychosis. a sudden drop in school work or job performance trouble thinking clearly or difficulty concentrating feeling paranoid or suspicious of others withdrawing from friends and loved ones an influx of strange, new feelings, or no feeling at all a disinterest in personal grooming difficulty separating reality from non-reality trouble communicating difficulty with sensory stimuli like touch, light, or noise hallucinations delusions, such as delusions of paranoia or grandiose delusions disorganized behavior (behavior that does not seem to make sense or that is impulsive) negative symptoms (seemingly having no emotion, lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, an ungroomed appearance, etc.) catatonia , or a “frozen” appearance confusing and disrupted thoughts Psychosis can develop as a symptom of a psychiatric disorder or a medical condition that affects the brain. Psychiatric conditions that can have symptoms of psychosis include: bipolar disorder delusional disorder psychotic depression schizophrenia Other possible causes or triggers of psychosis include : genetic mutations dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease tumors infections stroke endocrine disorders In addition, other triggers or risk factors include sleep deprivation and substance misuse as well as environmental factors like trauma and stress . Doctors diagnose psychosis with a psychiatric evaluation . A doctor observes the person’s behavior and asks questions about what they’re experiencing. The doctor may order medical and imaging tests to determine whether there is an underlying illness causing the symptoms. Many of the symptoms of psychosis in adults aren’t symptoms of psychosis in young people. For example, small children often have imaginary friends with whom they talk. This represents imaginative play, which is typical for children but may indicate psychosis in adults. If you’re worried about psychosis in a child or adolescent, reach out to a doctor for support. Treating psychosis depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if the cause is an underlying medical condition, then the treatment will be targeted to that condition. If the cause is psychiatric, treatment may involve a combination of medications and therapy. Most people experience an improvement in their symptoms with treatment. Rapid tranquilization Sometimes people experiencing psychosis can become agitated and be at risk of hurting themselves or others. In these cases, it may be necessary to calm them down quickly. This method is called rapid tranquilization . A doctor or emergency response personnel will administer a fast-acting injection or liquid medication to quickly relax the person. Medication Antipsychotics can help manage symptoms of psychosis. These medications reduce hallucinations and delusions and help people think more clearly. The type of antipsychotic a doctor prescribes will depend on the symptoms. In many cases, people only need to take antipsychotics for a short time until their symptoms are more manageable. Others may need to take them more long term. Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of mental health therapy that aims to change thinking and behaviors. It involves regular meetings with a mental health therapist. CBT can be effective in helping people better manage their mental health conditions. It’s often most helpful for symptoms of psychosis that medications don’t fully address. Depending on the cause, most people typically recover from psychosis after a few weeks or months. With treatment, the severity of the symptoms will gradually decrease. That said, a 2022 study looked into how people experiencing psychosis for the first time recovered over a 10-year period. Researchers compared 142 people with psychosis to 117 people without the condition. They found that about one-third of the group with psychosis showed clinical recovery. But when researchers reduced the criteria for recovery, they found that more people met the standard for recovery. These results suggest that the recovery phase might not involve a total disappearance of symptoms for everyone, but that you’re likely on the right path as long as there’s improvement. Experiencing psychosis can be extremely frightening, but many people who experience it don’t always talk about it initially. If you believe someone you know may be experiencing psychosis or may soon experience symptoms, contact their healthcare team right away if they have one. If they don’t, reach out to a local hospital for advice. If you believe the person may be a danger to themselves or others, you can call 911 or take them to the emergency room. If you feel unsure or nervous about their behavior or what they might do, get a professional involved as soon as you can. Psychosis can be frightening. If left untreated, it can make it hard for you to maintain your quality of life. It could also cause other conditions to go untreated. However, you are not alone. Treatment and support are available. Many people who experience psychosis, even in severe cases, recover gradually with the proper treatment, such as therapy and medication.
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Connect with us for all things health. Subscribe [Mental Well-Being](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health) - [Better Sleep](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/sleep) - [Nutrition & Supplements](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/nutrition-supplements) - [Building Relationships](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/building-relationships) - [Emotional Well-Being](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/mind-and-body) - [Navigating Therapy](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/treatment) - [Crisis Support](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/crisis-support) - [ADHD](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/adhd) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/bipolar) - [Eating Disorders](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/eating-disorders) - [OCD](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/ocd) - [Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/schizophrenia) - [Addiction](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/addiction) - [Services & Reviews](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/mental-health-services-and-products) - [Apps](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health/apps) # Psychosis ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Med-Network-Headshots-500x500-Andy-Watkins-McCall-Blue.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Andy Watkins-McCall, MD, MPH]() — Written by Elea Carey and [Alina Sharon]() — [Updated on October 25, 2024]() - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#symptoms) - [Causes and risk factors](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#causes-and-risk-factors) - [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#diagnosis) - [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#treatment) - [Recovery](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#recovery) - [Getting help for others](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#getting-help-for-others) - [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#outlook) Psychosis is a state of impaired reality, which may include hallucinations and delusions. It may occur due to an underlying medical condition, substance use, or as a symptom of a psychotic disorder. Treatment and therapy can support recovery. Experiencing psychosis can impair your daily functioning. It can have a negative effect on various aspects of your life, such as work, school, or your ability to maintain relationships. Each person may experience psychosis differently. Some people may have experiences that put themselves and others at risk of harm. It’s important to get medical help right away if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of psychosis. ## [What are the symptoms of psychosis?]() According to the [National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis), psychosis may present in different ways, including: - a sudden drop in school work or job performance - trouble thinking clearly or difficulty concentrating - feeling paranoid or suspicious of others - withdrawing from friends and loved ones - an influx of strange, new feelings, or no feeling at all - a disinterest in personal grooming - difficulty separating reality from non-reality - trouble communicating - difficulty with sensory stimuli like touch, light, or noise - [hallucinations](https://www.healthline.com/health/hallucinations) - delusions, such as delusions of paranoia or [grandiose delusions](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/delusions-of-grandeur) - disorganized behavior (behavior that does not seem to make sense or that is impulsive) - negative symptoms (seemingly having no emotion, lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, an ungroomed appearance, etc.) - [catatonia](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/catatonic-depression), or a “frozen” appearance - confusing and disrupted thoughts ### Suicide prevention If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person: 1. Call 911 or your local emergency number. 2. Stay with the person until help arrives. 3. Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm. 4. Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell. 5. Get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the [988 Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) by calling 988. ## [What causes psychosis?]() Psychosis can develop as a symptom of a psychiatric disorder or a medical condition that affects the brain. Psychiatric conditions that can have symptoms of psychosis include: - [bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-psychosis) - delusional disorder - psychotic depression - schizophrenia Other possible causes or triggers of psychosis [include](https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/schizophrenia-and-related-disorders/psychotic-disorder-due-to-another-medical-condition): - [genetic mutations](https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chromosome-22q11-2-deletion-syndrome/) - dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease - Parkinson’s disease - tumors - infections - stroke - endocrine disorders In addition, other triggers or risk factors include sleep deprivation and [substance misuse](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8732862/) as well as environmental factors like trauma and [stress](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539912/). ## [How is psychosis diagnosed?]() Doctors diagnose psychosis with a [psychiatric evaluation](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-status-tests#overview1). A doctor observes the person’s behavior and asks questions about what they’re experiencing. The doctor may order medical and imaging tests to determine whether there is an underlying illness causing the symptoms. Many of the symptoms of psychosis in adults aren’t symptoms of psychosis in young people. For example, small children often have imaginary friends with whom they talk. This represents imaginative play, which is typical for children but may indicate psychosis in adults. If you’re worried about psychosis in a child or adolescent, reach out to a doctor for support. ## [How is psychosis treated?]() Treating psychosis depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if the cause is an underlying medical condition, then the treatment will be targeted to that condition. If the cause is psychiatric, treatment may involve a combination of medications and therapy. Most people experience an improvement in their symptoms with treatment. ### Rapid tranquilization Sometimes people experiencing psychosis can become agitated and be at risk of hurting themselves or others. In these cases, it may be necessary to calm them down quickly. This method is called [rapid tranquilization](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28275892/). A doctor or emergency response personnel will administer a fast-acting injection or liquid medication to quickly relax the person. ### Medication [Antipsychotics](https://www.healthline.com/health/mood-stabilizers-list) can help manage symptoms of psychosis. These medications reduce hallucinations and delusions and help people think more clearly. The type of antipsychotic a doctor prescribes will depend on the symptoms. In many cases, people only need to take antipsychotics for a short time until their symptoms are more manageable. Others may need to take them more long term. ### Cognitive behavioral therapy [Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https://www.healthline.com/health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy) is a type of mental health therapy that aims to change thinking and behaviors. It involves regular meetings with a mental health therapist. CBT [can be effective](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/) in helping people better manage their mental health conditions. It’s often most helpful for symptoms of psychosis that medications don’t fully address. ## [Do people recover from psychosis?]() Depending on the cause, most people typically recover from psychosis after a few weeks or months. With treatment, the severity of the symptoms will gradually decrease. That said, a [2022 study](https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/48/4/839/6568399?login=true) looked into how people experiencing psychosis for the first time recovered over a 10-year period. Researchers compared 142 people with psychosis to 117 people without the condition. They found that about one-third of the group with psychosis showed clinical recovery. But when researchers reduced the criteria for recovery, they found that more people met the standard for recovery. These results suggest that the recovery phase might not involve a total disappearance of symptoms for everyone, but that you’re likely on the right path as long as there’s improvement. ## [How to support someone living with psychosis?]() [Experiencing psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/yna-psychosis) can be extremely frightening, but many people who experience it don’t always talk about it initially. If you believe someone you know may be experiencing psychosis or may soon experience symptoms, contact their healthcare team right away if they have one. If they don’t, reach out to a local hospital for advice. If you believe the person may be a danger to themselves or others, you can call 911 or take them to the emergency room. If you feel unsure or nervous about their behavior or what they might do, get a professional involved as soon as you can. ### The 988 Lifeline **Call 988** This number can be called 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers free, confidential support. If you or someone you know is having mental health issues or thoughts of self-harm, the [988 Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) can point you toward the help you need. ## [Takeaway]() Psychosis can be frightening. If left untreated, it can make it hard for you to maintain your quality of life. It could also cause other conditions to go untreated. However, you are not alone. Treatment and support are available. Many people who experience psychosis, even in severe cases, recover gradually with the proper treatment, such as therapy and medication. ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Åsbø G, et al. (2022). The time is ripe for a consensus definition of clinical recovery in first-episode psychosis: suggestions based on a 10-year follow-up study. <https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/48/4/839/6568399?login=true> - Calabrese J, et al. (2023). Psychosis. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546579/> - Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. (2023). <https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chromosome-22q11-2-deletion-syndrome/> - Fiorentini A, et al. (2021). Substance-induced psychoses: an updated literature review. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8732862/> - Gonçalves de Almeida C, et al. (2017). Rapid tranquilization for psychiatric patients with psychomotor agitation: What is known about it? <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28275892/> - Joyce EM. (2018). Organic psychosis: The pathobiology and treatment of delusions. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489844/> - Overview: Psychosis. (2023). <https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/> - Psychosis: Early psychosis intervention. (n.d.). <https://cmhato.org/understanding-mental-health/early-psychosis-intervention/> - Psychotic depression. (2023). <https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychotic-depression/> - Stephen A, et al. (2023). Brief psychotic disorder. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539912/> - Tamminga C, et al. (2022). Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition. <https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/schizophrenia-and-related-disorders/psychotic-disorder-due-to-another-medical-condition> - Understanding psychosis. (n.d.). <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis> - Wearne TA, et al. (2018). A comparison of methamphetamine-induced psychosis and schizophrenia: A review of positive, negative, and cognitive symptomatology. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6191498/> - Zwicker A, et al. (2018). Gene-environment interplay in the etiology of psychosis. <https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/abs/geneenvironment-interplay-in-the-etiology-of-psychosis/249CDAFFD0387BE098046AF9F6B27F62> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Med-Network-Headshots-500x500-Andy-Watkins-McCall-Blue.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Andy Watkins-McCall, MD, MPH]() — Written by Elea Carey and [Alina Sharon]() — [Updated on October 25, 2024]() ## related stories - [Depressive Psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/major-depression-with-psychotic-features?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Delusions of Grandeur Explained](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/delusions-of-grandeur?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What Are Hallucinations and What Causes Them?](https://www.healthline.com/health/hallucinations?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Paranoia](https://www.healthline.com/health/paranoia?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Inside Schizophrenia Podcast](https://www.healthline.com/health/podcast/schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. 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Readable Markdown
Psychosis is a state of impaired reality, which may include hallucinations and delusions. It may occur due to an underlying medical condition, substance use, or as a symptom of a psychotic disorder. Treatment and therapy can support recovery. Experiencing psychosis can impair your daily functioning. It can have a negative effect on various aspects of your life, such as work, school, or your ability to maintain relationships. Each person may experience psychosis differently. Some people may have experiences that put themselves and others at risk of harm. It’s important to get medical help right away if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of psychosis. - a sudden drop in school work or job performance - trouble thinking clearly or difficulty concentrating - feeling paranoid or suspicious of others - withdrawing from friends and loved ones - an influx of strange, new feelings, or no feeling at all - a disinterest in personal grooming - difficulty separating reality from non-reality - trouble communicating - difficulty with sensory stimuli like touch, light, or noise - [hallucinations](https://www.healthline.com/health/hallucinations) - delusions, such as delusions of paranoia or [grandiose delusions](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/delusions-of-grandeur) - disorganized behavior (behavior that does not seem to make sense or that is impulsive) - negative symptoms (seemingly having no emotion, lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, an ungroomed appearance, etc.) - [catatonia](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/catatonic-depression), or a “frozen” appearance - confusing and disrupted thoughts Psychosis can develop as a symptom of a psychiatric disorder or a medical condition that affects the brain. Psychiatric conditions that can have symptoms of psychosis include: - [bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-psychosis) - delusional disorder - psychotic depression - schizophrenia Other possible causes or triggers of psychosis [include](https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/schizophrenia-and-related-disorders/psychotic-disorder-due-to-another-medical-condition): - [genetic mutations](https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chromosome-22q11-2-deletion-syndrome/) - dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease - Parkinson’s disease - tumors - infections - stroke - endocrine disorders In addition, other triggers or risk factors include sleep deprivation and [substance misuse](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8732862/) as well as environmental factors like trauma and [stress](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539912/). Doctors diagnose psychosis with a [psychiatric evaluation](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-status-tests#overview1). A doctor observes the person’s behavior and asks questions about what they’re experiencing. The doctor may order medical and imaging tests to determine whether there is an underlying illness causing the symptoms. Many of the symptoms of psychosis in adults aren’t symptoms of psychosis in young people. For example, small children often have imaginary friends with whom they talk. This represents imaginative play, which is typical for children but may indicate psychosis in adults. If you’re worried about psychosis in a child or adolescent, reach out to a doctor for support. Treating psychosis depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if the cause is an underlying medical condition, then the treatment will be targeted to that condition. If the cause is psychiatric, treatment may involve a combination of medications and therapy. Most people experience an improvement in their symptoms with treatment. Rapid tranquilization Sometimes people experiencing psychosis can become agitated and be at risk of hurting themselves or others. In these cases, it may be necessary to calm them down quickly. This method is called [rapid tranquilization](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28275892/). A doctor or emergency response personnel will administer a fast-acting injection or liquid medication to quickly relax the person. Medication [Antipsychotics](https://www.healthline.com/health/mood-stabilizers-list) can help manage symptoms of psychosis. These medications reduce hallucinations and delusions and help people think more clearly. The type of antipsychotic a doctor prescribes will depend on the symptoms. In many cases, people only need to take antipsychotics for a short time until their symptoms are more manageable. Others may need to take them more long term. Cognitive behavioral therapy [Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https://www.healthline.com/health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy) is a type of mental health therapy that aims to change thinking and behaviors. It involves regular meetings with a mental health therapist. CBT [can be effective](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/) in helping people better manage their mental health conditions. It’s often most helpful for symptoms of psychosis that medications don’t fully address. Depending on the cause, most people typically recover from psychosis after a few weeks or months. With treatment, the severity of the symptoms will gradually decrease. That said, a [2022 study](https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/48/4/839/6568399?login=true) looked into how people experiencing psychosis for the first time recovered over a 10-year period. Researchers compared 142 people with psychosis to 117 people without the condition. They found that about one-third of the group with psychosis showed clinical recovery. But when researchers reduced the criteria for recovery, they found that more people met the standard for recovery. These results suggest that the recovery phase might not involve a total disappearance of symptoms for everyone, but that you’re likely on the right path as long as there’s improvement. [Experiencing psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/yna-psychosis) can be extremely frightening, but many people who experience it don’t always talk about it initially. If you believe someone you know may be experiencing psychosis or may soon experience symptoms, contact their healthcare team right away if they have one. If they don’t, reach out to a local hospital for advice. If you believe the person may be a danger to themselves or others, you can call 911 or take them to the emergency room. If you feel unsure or nervous about their behavior or what they might do, get a professional involved as soon as you can. Psychosis can be frightening. If left untreated, it can make it hard for you to maintain your quality of life. It could also cause other conditions to go untreated. However, you are not alone. Treatment and support are available. Many people who experience psychosis, even in severe cases, recover gradually with the proper treatment, such as therapy and medication.
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