🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 142 (from laksa012)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa142.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis","crawl_time":1767340389,"first_indexed_time":1524061581,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,webmd!www,\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis s443","src_root_hash":"18365360746078618142","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Psychosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment","meta_descriptions":["Get a deeper understanding of psychosis with this guide. Explore the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options for this mental health condition."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Psychosis\naffects 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 result from a mental illness, a physical injury or illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma.\nPsychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, involve psychosis that usually affects you for the first time in the late teen years or early adulthood. Even before what doctors call the first episode of psychosis (\nFEP\n), 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.\nSometimes, you can lose touch with reality even when you don’t have a primary psychotic illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. When this happens, it’s called secondary psychosis.\nThese episodes stem from something else, like drug use or a medical condition. Whatever the reason, they tend to disappear in a short time, and they often stay away if you treat the condition that caused them.\nWho gets psychosis?\nYoung people are more likely to get it, but doctors don’t know why. It most often starts when you’re in your teens to late 20s. But it can also affect older people and, rarely, children.\nHow common is psychosis?\nIt’s hard to know exactly how common psychosis is. Studies show that it affects about 15 to 100 out of every 100,000 people each year.\nPsychosis vs. schizophrenia\nPsychosis is a\nsymptom of schizophrenia\n, a complicated\nmental illness\nthat also has other symptoms. Psychosis can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as serious depression. \nPsychosis vs. neurosis\nDoctors used to use the term \"neurosis\" to describe what they now call anxiety disorders. Symptoms of these disorders may include obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, or compulsive behaviors. But unlike psychosis, they don’t involve losing touch with reality.\nPsychosis doesn’t start suddenly. It usually follows a pattern.\nWarning signs before psychosis\nIt starts with gradual changes in the way you think about and understand the world. You or your friends or family members may notice:\nA drop in grades or job performance\nTrouble thinking clearly or focusing\nFeeling suspicious or uneasy around others\nLack of self-care or hygiene\nSpending more time alone than usual\nStronger emotions than situations call for\nNo emotions at all\nSigns of early psychosis\nYou may:\nHear, see, or taste things others don’t\nHang on to unusual beliefs or thoughts, no matter what others say\nPull away from family and friends\nStop taking care of yourself\nNot be able to think clearly or pay attention\nWhat does a psychotic episode look like?\nUsually, you’ll notice all of the above\npsychosis symptoms\n, including:\nHallucinations.\nThese could be:\nAuditory hallucinations: Hearing voices when no one is around\nTactile hallucinations: Strange sensations or feelings you can’t explain\nVisual hallucinations\n: Seeing people or things that aren’t there, or thinking that the shape of things looks wrong\nOlfactory hallucinations: Smelling odors no one else can\nGustatory hallucinations: Tasting things when there’s nothing in your mouth\nDelusions.\nThese are beliefs that aren’t in line with your culture and don’t make sense to others, such as:\nOutside forces are in control of your feelings and actions.\nSmall events or comments have huge meaning.\nYou have special powers, are on a special mission, or actually are a god.\nYou might have\npersecutory delusions,\nin which you think a person or group of people wants to harm you. Or you could have\ngrandiose delusions\n, in which you believe you are all-powerful or in a position of authority.\nReligious delusions,\nsometimes called\nspiritual psychosis\n, center on spiritual or religious themes.\nUnstable thought patterns\ncould cause outward symptoms, like:\nSuddenly losing your train of thought, in conversation or while doing a task\nSpeaking quickly\nTalking constantly\nCan you be aware of your own psychosis?\nOften, people with psychosis don’t know it\n. Your hallucinations and\ndelusions\nmay seem very real to you.\nExperts say there are three stages of psychotic episodes. What each stage looks like and how long it lasts will vary from person to person.\nProdrome\nIn this stage, you have mild changes in your thoughts and moods that tend to show up slowly. They might include:\nTrouble sleeping\nSadness\nAnxiety\nLoss of concentration and motivation\nAvoiding friends and family members\nHaving suspicion and strange beliefs\nAcute\nThis is when you have typical symptoms of psychosis, like:\nConfusion\nDelusions\nHallucinations\nBehavior and personality changes\nThese changes may be apparent to others around you.\nRecovery\nWhile some of your symptoms may remain for a while, they usually go away, allowing you to return to your usual daily routines. Most people recover if they get the right treatment. You may never have another psychotic episode.\nAlong with secondary psychosis and psychosis due to a mental illness, you might hear about these types:\nPostpartum psychosis\nThis is a rare but serious type of postpartum depression that can happen from a few days to a few weeks after you give birth. It’s more likely to affect those who already have a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but they think sleep loss, hormonal changes, and your genes could play a role.\nAlong with hallucinations and delusions, you could have mood changes, such as sadness and\/or joy. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical help right away. \nBipolar psychosis\nAbout half of the people with bipolar disorder sometimes have delusions and\/or hallucinations, usually when they’re in a state of mania (a period of high energy and mood). Treatments include antipsychotic drugs and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves passing mild\nelectric currents through the brain.\nPostictal psychosis (PIP)\n \nThis happens in some people with epilepsy who’ve had several seizures in a row. It’s more likely if you’ve had a seizure disorder for a long time or you’ve had a mental illness in the past.\nAntipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine and risperidone can stop symptoms and may help prevent future episodes.\nMyxedematous psychosis (also called myxedema psychosis)\nYou can get this when your thyroid gland doesn’t work well, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Because of the way thyroid hormone affects your brain, you may have hallucinations, delusions, and changes to your sense of taste or smell if there’s not enough in your body. Your doctor can test your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to confirm myxedema psychosis and rule out other conditions, like schizophrenia.\nTaking thyroid hormone can help balance your gland’s activity and end the psychosis.\nKorsakoff psychosis\nThis is a complication of a condition called Wernicke encephalopathy, a brain disorder caused by a shortage of vitamin B1. It most often affects people who have alcohol use disorder. \nAlong with serious memory problems, it can cause disorientation and emotional changes. You may tell false or confused stories when you can’t remember what really happened.\nIt’s treated by restoring your levels of B1 along with\ngood nutrition\nand hydration.\nMenstrual psychosis\nThis extremely rare type of psychosis can appear at the beginning of your period, around ovulation, or during the few days before your period starts. It happens because out-of-balance hormones at different points in your cycle can affect your thinking and mood. It may show up quickly and disappear just as fast. During the episodes, you may be confused about what’s real, hallucinate, and believe things that aren’t true.\nCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)\nand antipsychotic drugs can help ward off symptoms, even with hormone levels that are hard to predict.\nDoctors don’t know exactly what causes psychosis. Genes are thought to play a role, but they don’t in every case.\nWhat can trigger a psychotic episode?\nIn general, you develop psychosis due to a mental or physical condition, alcohol or drug use, or a traumatic event.\nPsychological causes.\nAlong with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, serious stress, anxiety, or depression can trigger a psychotic episode. Serious sleep loss could also be a cause. \nTrauma.\nThe death of a loved one, a sexual assault, or war can lead to psychosis. The type of trauma and the age you were when it happened also play a role.\nMedical conditions.\nBesides epilepsy and thyroid problems, illnesses and injuries that can cause psychosis include:\nTraumatic brain injuries\nBrain tumors\nStrokes\nParkinson’s disease\nAlzheimer’s disease\nDementia\nHIV and AIDS\nLupus\nMultiple sclerosis\nLow blood sugar (hypoglycemia)\nSyphilis\nMalaria\nDrug-induced psychosis.\nDrugs that depress the nervous system, such as cannabis (marijuana), as well as stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can affect your brain activity in dramatic ways. These drugs can distort your sense of reality – so what seems real to you may not actually be real. Some prescription medications can also lead to psychosis.\nMost of the time, this goes away when you stop using the drug. But there’s a strong link between all these drugs and primary psychosis. More than 25% of those who are diagnosed with amphetamine-induced psychosis later have\npsychotic disorders\n. Cannabis is involved in roughly half of all cases.\nStudies suggest that these drugs may not directly cause psychosis but can uncover the condition when it’s already present in people with psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia or a family history of psychosis.\nIf you’ve been using a drug for a while, you could also have psychotic symptoms when you suddenly stop taking it.\nDrugs used to treat mental illness can lead to problems as well. Although it’s rare, if you’ve been taking an antipsychotic (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, and others) for many months or years, you could develop a movement disorder called\ntardive dyskinesia\nbecause of the long-term effects of the medication on your brain.\nAnd if you stop taking an antipsychotic medicine, you may get supersensitivity psychosis. Doctors think it happens because ongoing use of this type of drug changes how your brain responds to the chemical dopamine. The use of some antipsychotic medications, like aripiprazole (Abilify), carries a higher risk of psychosis.\nMost drug-triggered symptoms will clear up after the drug leaves your system. But psychosis from cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP, or \"angel dust\"), and amphetamines could last weeks. While you wait for the episode to pass, your doctor can ease the symptoms with an antianxiety drug, such as lorazepam (Ativan), or an antipsychotic.\nAlcohol-induced psychosis.\nYou can get delusions or hallucinations when you’re heavily drunk, suddenly stop drinking alcohol, or have long-term alcoholism. Your doctor can treat you with antipsychotics or other medications. If you’re able to stop using alcohol, your psychosis symptoms probably won’t come back.\nIf you have any psychosis symptoms or notice psychotic behavior in someone around you, contact a doctor or mental health professional right away. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it’s likely to be.\nKeep in mind that those with psychosis often don’t recognize that they’re having symptoms.\nYou can see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker. They’ll find out what might have caused your symptoms and look for related conditions. They may do drug screening tests as well as blood tests to look for physical causes. Doctors diagnose mental illnesses after ruling out other things that could be causing psychotic symptoms.\nPsychosis tests\nThere aren't any tests your doctor can use to diagnose psychosis. Instead, they’ll ask you several questions, such as:\nIf any mental health conditions run in your family\nWhether you take any medications or use illegal drugs\nWhat kind of moods you’ve had lately\nHow well you’re able to do your usual activities\nIf you’ve had\nhallucinations\nor delusions, what they were like\nWhen you have psychosis, you may not be able to care for yourself or do the things you normally do. Some people develop substance use disorders when they use drugs or alcohol to try to deal with their symptoms.\nPeople with psychosis have a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. If you're thinking of hurting yourself, or know someone who is, call or text 988 or chat\n988lifeline.org\n.\nIt’s important to get treated early, after the first episode of psychosis. That will help keep the symptoms from affecting your relationships, job, or schoolwork. It may also help you avoid more problems down the road.\nMedical treatment\nYour doctor may recommend coordinated specialty care (CSC). This is a team approach to treating schizophrenia when the first symptoms appear. It involves the family as much as possible.\nThe psychosis treatment your doctor suggests will depend on the cause of your psychosis.\nYour doctor will prescribe\nantipsychotic drugs\n– in pills, liquids, or shots – to ease your symptoms. They’ll also suggest you avoid using drugs and alcohol.\nInpatient care\nYou might need to get treated in a hospital if you’re at risk of harming yourself or others, or if you can’t control your behavior or do your daily activities. A doctor will check your symptoms, look for causes, and suggest the best treatment for you.\nSome clinics and programs offer help just for young people.\nTherapy\nCounseling, along with medicines, can also help manage psychosis.\nCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).\nThis can help you recognize when you have psychotic episodes. It also helps you figure out whether what you see and hear is real or imagined. This kind of therapy also stresses the importance of antipsychotic medications and sticking to your treatment.\nSupportive psychotherapy.\nIt helps you learn to live with and manage psychosis. It also teaches healthy ways of thinking.\nCognitive enhancement therapy (CET).\nThis approach uses computer exercises and group work to help you think and understand better.\nFamily psychoeducation and support.\nIt involves your loved ones. It helps you bond and improves the way you solve problems together.\nCoordinated specialty care (CSC).\nCSC creates a team approach to treating psychosis when it’s first diagnosed. It combines medication and psychotherapy with social services and work and education support.\nWhen you have psychosis, you have trouble understanding what’s real and what’s not. Many things can cause it, including physical and mental illnesses and substance abuse. Treatment, especially when you get it early in the process, can work very well.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#main-container)\n\n[![Logo for WebMD](https:\/\/img.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/logos\/webmd\/web\/webmd_logo_white.svg)](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/)\n- [Conditions]()\n  Back\n  \n  Conditions[![](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/webmd_v1_static_vue\/091e9c5e81e4870f\/client\/img\/arrow-right.4012ff31.svg) View All](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/health-topics)\n  \n  - [ADD\/ADHD](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/add-adhd\/default.htm)\n  - [Allergies](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/allergies\/default.htm)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/default.htm)\n  - [Atrial fibrillation](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/heart-disease\/atrial-fibrillation\/default.htm)\n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/breast-cancer\/default.htm)\n  - 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[Positive Symptoms](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/first-episode-psychosis)\n  - [Negative Symptoms](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-catatonia)\n- Causes & Risks\n  - [Causes](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-causes-schizophrenia)\n  - [Risks](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/who-gets-schizophrenia-by-age-sex-more)\n- [Tests & Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/diagnostic-tests-schizophrenia)\n- Treatment\n  - [Overview of Treatment](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-therapy)\n  - [Drug Therapies](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/medicines-to-treat-schizophrenia)\n  - [Medication Side Effects](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-meds-drug-interactions)\n  - [Medication Compliance](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-stay-on-medication)\n  - [Complementary & Alternative Therapies](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-complementary-treatments)\n  - [Hospitalization](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-hospitalization-against-your-will)\n- [Relapse](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/prevent-schizophrenia-relapse)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-complications)\n- Living With\n  - [Daily Life](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/how-to-keep-track-of-your-schizophrenia)\n  - [Diet & Exercise](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-exercise-the-link)\n  - [Family & Relationships](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/dating-schizophrenia)\n- [Caregiving](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-family)\n- Appointment Prep\n  - [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/apptprep\/your-schizophrenia-journey\/cm\/toc)\n  - [Tardive Dyskinesia](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/apptprep\/your-tardive-dyskinesia-journey\/cm\/toc)\n- [View Full Guide](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/default.htm)\n\n# Psychosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment\n![](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/articles\/biographies\/sachdev_poonam_382x382.jpg?resize=51px:51px&output-quality=75)\n\nWritten by [WebMD Editorial Contributors](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/webmd-editorial-contributors)\n\nMedically Reviewed by [Poonam Sachdev](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/bio\/poonam-sachdev) on October 09, 2025\n\n- [What Is Psychosis?](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-1-1)\n- [Symptoms of Psychosis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-2-3)\n- [3 Stages of Psychosis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-4-6)\n- [Psychosis Types](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-5-8)\n- [Causes of Psychosis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-8-12)\n- [When to See a Doctor](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-10-16)\n- [Psychosis Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-11-17)\n- [Psychosis Complications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-11-18)\n- [Psychosis Treatment](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-12-19)\n- [Takeaways](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-13-22)\n\n42 min read\n\n## What Is Psychosis?\nPsychosisaffects 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 result from a mental illness, a physical injury or illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma.\n\nPsychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, involve psychosis that usually affects you for the first time in the late teen years or early adulthood. Even before what doctors call the first episode of psychosis ([FEP](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/first-episode-psychosis)), 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.\n\nSometimes, you can lose touch with reality even when you don’t have a primary psychotic illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. When this happens, it’s called secondary psychosis.\n\nThese episodes stem from something else, like drug use or a medical condition. Whatever the reason, they tend to disappear in a short time, and they often stay away if you treat the condition that caused them.\n\n**Who gets psychosis?**\n\nYoung people are more likely to get it, but doctors don’t know why. It most often starts when you’re in your teens to late 20s. But it can also affect older people and, rarely, children.\n\n**How common is psychosis?**\n\nIt’s hard to know exactly how common psychosis is. Studies show that it affects about 15 to 100 out of every 100,000 people each year.\n\n**Psychosis vs. schizophrenia**\n\nPsychosis is a [symptom of schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-symptoms), a complicated mental illness that also has other symptoms. Psychosis can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as serious depression.\n\n**Psychosis vs. neurosis**\n\nDoctors used to use the term \"neurosis\" to describe what they now call anxiety disorders. Symptoms of these disorders may include obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, or compulsive behaviors. But unlike psychosis, they don’t involve losing touch with reality.\n\n![](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/articles\/health_tools\/stop_stress_eating_slideshow\/1800ss_getty_rf_looking_in_mirror.jpg?resize=750px:*&output-quality=75)\n\nPsychosis symptoms include delusions (false thoughts) and hallucinations (sensing things that aren’t real). Photo Credit: E+ \/ Getty Images\n\n## Symptoms of Psychosis\nPsychosis doesn’t start suddenly. It usually follows a pattern.\n\n**Warning signs before psychosis**\n\nIt starts with gradual changes in the way you think about and understand the world. You or your friends or family members may notice:\n\n- A drop in grades or job performance\n- Trouble thinking clearly or focusing\n- Feeling suspicious or uneasy around others\n- Lack of self-care or hygiene\n- Spending more time alone than usual\n- Stronger emotions than situations call for\n- No emotions at all\n\n**Signs of early psychosis**\n\nYou may:\n\n- Hear, see, or taste things others don’t\n- Hang on to unusual beliefs or thoughts, no matter what others say\n- Pull away from family and friends\n- Stop taking care of yourself\n- Not be able to think clearly or pay attention\n\n**What does a psychotic episode look like?**\n\nUsually, you’ll notice all of the above [psychosis symptoms](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/psychosis-symptoms-look), including:\n\n**Hallucinations.** These could be:\n\n- Auditory hallucinations: Hearing voices when no one is around\n- Tactile hallucinations: Strange sensations or feelings you can’t explain\n- [Visual hallucinations](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/brain\/why-am-i-seeing-things): Seeing people or things that aren’t there, or thinking that the shape of things looks wrong\n- Olfactory hallucinations: Smelling odors no one else can\n- Gustatory hallucinations: Tasting things when there’s nothing in your mouth\n\n**Delusions.** These are beliefs that aren’t in line with your culture and don’t make sense to others, such as:\n\n- Outside forces are in control of your feelings and actions.\n- Small events or comments have huge meaning.\n- You have special powers, are on a special mission, or actually are a god.\n\nYou might have **persecutory delusions,** in which you think a person or group of people wants to harm you. Or you could have **grandiose delusions**, in which you believe you are all-powerful or in a position of authority. **Religious delusions,** sometimes called **spiritual psychosis**, center on spiritual or religious themes.\n\n**Unstable thought patterns** could cause outward symptoms, like:\n\n- Suddenly losing your train of thought, in conversation or while doing a task\n- Speaking quickly\n- Talking constantly\n\n**Can you be aware of your own psychosis?**\n\nOften, people with psychosis don’t know it. Your hallucinations and [delusions](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/delusional-disorder) may seem very real to you.\n\n## 3 Stages of Psychosis\nExperts say there are three stages of psychotic episodes. What each stage looks like and how long it lasts will vary from person to person.\n\n**Prodrome**\n\nIn this stage, you have mild changes in your thoughts and moods that tend to show up slowly. They might include:\n\n- Trouble sleeping\n- Sadness\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/anxiety-panic\/anxiety-disorders)\n- Loss of concentration and motivation\n- Avoiding friends and family members\n- Having suspicion and strange beliefs\n\n**Acute**\n\nThis is when you have typical symptoms of psychosis, like:\n\n- Confusion\n- Delusions\n- Hallucinations\n- Behavior and personality changes\n\nThese changes may be apparent to others around you.\n\n**Recovery**\n\nWhile some of your symptoms may remain for a while, they usually go away, allowing you to return to your usual daily routines. Most people recover if they get the right treatment. You may never have another psychotic episode.\n\n## Psychosis Types\nAlong with secondary psychosis and psychosis due to a mental illness, you might hear about these types:\n\n**Postpartum psychosis**\n\nThis is a rare but serious type of postpartum depression that can happen from a few days to a few weeks after you give birth. It’s more likely to affect those who already have a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but they think sleep loss, hormonal changes, and your genes could play a role.\n\nAlong with hallucinations and delusions, you could have mood changes, such as sadness and\/or joy. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical help right away.\n\n**Bipolar psychosis**\n\nAbout half of the people with bipolar disorder sometimes have delusions and\/or hallucinations, usually when they’re in a state of mania (a period of high energy and mood). Treatments include antipsychotic drugs and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves passing mild electric currents through the brain.\n\n**Postictal psychosis (PIP)**\n\nThis happens in some people with epilepsy who’ve had several seizures in a row. It’s more likely if you’ve had a seizure disorder for a long time or you’ve had a mental illness in the past.\n\nAntipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine and risperidone can stop symptoms and may help prevent future episodes.\n\n**Myxedematous psychosis (also called myxedema psychosis)**\n\nYou can get this when your thyroid gland doesn’t work well, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Because of the way thyroid hormone affects your brain, you may have hallucinations, delusions, and changes to your sense of taste or smell if there’s not enough in your body. Your doctor can test your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to confirm myxedema psychosis and rule out other conditions, like schizophrenia.\n\nTaking thyroid hormone can help balance your gland’s activity and end the psychosis.\n\n**Korsakoff psychosis**\n\nThis is a complication of a condition called Wernicke encephalopathy, a brain disorder caused by a shortage of vitamin B1. It most often affects people who have alcohol use disorder.\n\nAlong with serious memory problems, it can cause disorientation and emotional changes. You may tell false or confused stories when you can’t remember what really happened.\n\nIt’s treated by restoring your levels of B1 along with good nutritionand hydration.\n\n**Menstrual psychosis**\n\nThis extremely rare type of psychosis can appear at the beginning of your period, around ovulation, or during the few days before your period starts. It happens because out-of-balance hormones at different points in your cycle can affect your thinking and mood. It may show up quickly and disappear just as fast. During the episodes, you may be confused about what’s real, hallucinate, and believe things that aren’t true.\n\n[Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/depression\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-depression) and antipsychotic drugs can help ward off symptoms, even with hormone levels that are hard to predict.\n\n## Causes of Psychosis\nDoctors don’t know exactly what causes psychosis. Genes are thought to play a role, but they don’t in every case.\n\n**What can trigger a psychotic episode?**\n\nIn general, you develop psychosis due to a mental or physical condition, alcohol or drug use, or a traumatic event.\n\n**Psychological causes.** Along with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, serious stress, anxiety, or depression can trigger a psychotic episode. Serious sleep loss could also be a cause.\n\n**Trauma.** The death of a loved one, a sexual assault, or war can lead to psychosis. The type of trauma and the age you were when it happened also play a role.\n\n**Medical conditions.** Besides epilepsy and thyroid problems, illnesses and injuries that can cause psychosis include:\n\n- Traumatic brain injuries\n- [Brain tumors](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cancer\/brain-cancer\/brain-tumors-in-adults)\n- Strokes\n- Parkinson’s disease\n- Alzheimer’s disease\n- Dementia\n- HIV and AIDS\n- Lupus\n- Multiple sclerosis\n- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)\n- Syphilis\n- Malaria\n\n**Drug-induced psychosis.** Drugs that depress the nervous system, such as cannabis (marijuana), as well as stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can affect your brain activity in dramatic ways. These drugs can distort your sense of reality – so what seems real to you may not actually be real. Some prescription medications can also lead to psychosis.\n\nMost of the time, this goes away when you stop using the drug. But there’s a strong link between all these drugs and primary psychosis. More than 25% of those who are diagnosed with amphetamine-induced psychosis later have [psychotic disorders](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/mental-health-psychotic-disorders). Cannabis is involved in roughly half of all cases.\n\nStudies suggest that these drugs may not directly cause psychosis but can uncover the condition when it’s already present in people with psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia or a family history of psychosis.\n\nIf you’ve been using a drug for a while, you could also have psychotic symptoms when you suddenly stop taking it.\n\nDrugs used to treat mental illness can lead to problems as well. Although it’s rare, if you’ve been taking an antipsychotic (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, and others) for many months or years, you could develop a movement disorder called [tardive dyskinesia](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/tardive-dyskinesia) because of the long-term effects of the medication on your brain.\n\nAnd if you stop taking an antipsychotic medicine, you may get supersensitivity psychosis. Doctors think it happens because ongoing use of this type of drug changes how your brain responds to the chemical dopamine. The use of some antipsychotic medications, like aripiprazole (Abilify), carries a higher risk of psychosis.\n\nMost drug-triggered symptoms will clear up after the drug leaves your system. But psychosis from cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP, or \"angel dust\"), and amphetamines could last weeks. While you wait for the episode to pass, your doctor can ease the symptoms with an antianxiety drug, such as lorazepam (Ativan), or an antipsychotic.\n\n**Alcohol-induced psychosis.** You can get delusions or hallucinations when you’re heavily drunk, suddenly stop drinking alcohol, or have long-term alcoholism. Your doctor can treat you with antipsychotics or other medications. If you’re able to stop using alcohol, your psychosis symptoms probably won’t come back.\n\n## When to See a Doctor\nIf you have any psychosis symptoms or notice psychotic behavior in someone around you, contact a doctor or mental health professional right away. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it’s likely to be.\n\nKeep in mind that those with psychosis often don’t recognize that they’re having symptoms.\n\n## Psychosis Diagnosis\nYou can see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker. They’ll find out what might have caused your symptoms and look for related conditions. They may do drug screening tests as well as blood tests to look for physical causes. Doctors diagnose mental illnesses after ruling out other things that could be causing psychotic symptoms.\n\n**Psychosis tests**\n\nThere aren't any tests your doctor can use to diagnose psychosis. Instead, they’ll ask you several questions, such as:\n\n- If any mental health conditions run in your family\n- Whether you take any medications or use illegal drugs\n- What kind of moods you’ve had lately\n- How well you’re able to do your usual activities\n- If you’ve had [hallucinations](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-are-hallucinations) or delusions, what they were like\n\n## Psychosis Complications\nWhen you have psychosis, you may not be able to care for yourself or do the things you normally do. Some people develop substance use disorders when they use drugs or alcohol to try to deal with their symptoms.\n\nPeople with psychosis have a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. If you're thinking of hurting yourself, or know someone who is, call or text 988 or chat [988lifeline.org](https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/) [.]()\n\n## Psychosis Treatment\nIt’s important to get treated early, after the first episode of psychosis. That will help keep the symptoms from affecting your relationships, job, or schoolwork. It may also help you avoid more problems down the road.\n\n**Medical treatment**\n\nYour doctor may recommend coordinated specialty care (CSC). This is a team approach to treating schizophrenia when the first symptoms appear. It involves the family as much as possible.\n\nThe psychosis treatment your doctor suggests will depend on the cause of your psychosis.\n\nYour doctor will prescribe [antipsychotic drugs](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/first-second-generation-antipsychotics) – in pills, liquids, or shots – to ease your symptoms. They’ll also suggest you avoid using drugs and alcohol.\n\n**Inpatient care**\n\nYou might need to get treated in a hospital if you’re at risk of harming yourself or others, or if you can’t control your behavior or do your daily activities. A doctor will check your symptoms, look for causes, and suggest the best treatment for you.\n\nSome clinics and programs offer help just for young people.\n\n**Therapy**\n\nCounseling, along with medicines, can also help manage psychosis.\n\n**Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).** This can help you recognize when you have psychotic episodes. It also helps you figure out whether what you see and hear is real or imagined. This kind of therapy also stresses the importance of antipsychotic medications and sticking to your treatment.\n\n**Supportive psychotherapy.** It helps you learn to live with and manage psychosis. It also teaches healthy ways of thinking.\n\n**Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET).** This approach uses computer exercises and group work to help you think and understand better.\n\n**Family psychoeducation and support.** It involves your loved ones. It helps you bond and improves the way you solve problems together.\n\n**Coordinated specialty care (CSC).** CSC creates a team approach to treating psychosis when it’s first diagnosed. It combines medication and psychotherapy with social services and work and education support.\n\n## Takeaways\nWhen you have psychosis, you have trouble understanding what’s real and what’s not. Many things can cause it, including physical and mental illnesses and substance abuse. Treatment, especially when you get it early in the process, can work very well.\n\nSources\n\nUpdate History\n\nShare\n\nPrint\n\nSave\n\nSOURCES:\n\nNational Alliance on Mental Illness: [\"Psychosis,\"](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/about-mental-illness\/mental-health-conditions\/psychosis)[\"Early Psychosis and Psychosis.\"](https:\/\/naminycmetro.org\/diagnoses-mental-health\/early-psychosis-and-psychosis)\n\nMedlinePlus: [\"Psychotic Disorders.\"](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/psychoticdisorders.html)\n\nNational Institute of Mental Health: [\"Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) Questions & Answers,\"](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/research\/research-funded-by-nimh\/research-initiatives\/recovery-after-an-initial-schizophrenia-episode-raise)[\"What is Psychosis?\"](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/understanding-psychosis)\n\nGeorgia Health Sciences University: [\"The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and Their Families.\"](https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/book\/41966)\n\nCleveland Clinic: [\"Schizophrenia.\"](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia)\n\nCenter for Cognition & Recovery: [\"What is Cognitive Enhancement Therapy?\"](https:\/\/cetcleveland.org\/what-is-cet-2)\n\n*World Psychiatry*: [\"Secondary Psychoses: An Update.\"](https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/wps.20001)\n\n*American Journal of Psychiatry*: \"Rates and Predictors of Conversion to Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Following Substance-Induced Psychosis.\"\n\n*BMC Psychiatry*: \"Amphetamine-induced psychosis – a separate diagnostic entity or primary psychosis triggered in the vulnerable?\"\n\nMerck Manual: [\"Substance\/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder,\"](https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/professional\/psychiatric-disorders\/schizophrenia-and-related-disorders\/substance-or-medication-induced-psychotic-disorder) \"Brief Psychotic Disorder,\" \"Shared Psychosis.\"\n\n*Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics*: [\"Antipsychotic-Induced Dopamine Supersensitivity Psychosis: Pharmacology, Criteria, and Therapy.\"](https:\/\/karger.com\/pps\/article\/86\/4\/189\/282932\/Antipsychotic-Induced-Dopamine-Supersensitivity)\n\nUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center: [\"How Brain Chemicals Influence Mood and Health.\"](https:\/\/share.upmc.com\/2016\/09\/about-brain-chemicals)\n\nGeneral Medicine Open Access: \"A Case of Menstruation Related Psychosis – A Rare Entity.\"\n\n*Journal of Women's Health*: [\"A Review of Postpartum Psychosis.\"](https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/10.1089\/jwh.2006.15.352)\n\n*Annals of General Psychiatry*: [\"Postictal Psychosis: Presymptomatic Risk Factors and the Need for Further Investigation of Genetics and Pharmacotherapy.\"](https:\/\/annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1744-859X-5-9)\n\n*The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*: [\"Hypothyroidism Presenting as Psychosis: Myxedema Madness Revisited.\"](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC419396\/)\n\n*Indian Journal of Psychiatry*: [\"Cannabis and psychosis: Neurobiology.\"](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3927252\/)\n\n*Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements*: [\"An Update on Tardive Dyskinesia: From Phenomenology to Treatment.\"](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3709416\/)\n\n[View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/about-webmd-policies\/about-privacy-policy)\n\nShare\n\nPrint\n\nSave\n\n[View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/about-webmd-policies\/about-privacy-policy)\n\n### More on Schizophrenia\n![photo of more on depression](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/article_thumbnails\/hpt_toc_redesign\/more_on\/MoreOn_Depression.jpg?resize=300px:*&output-quality=75)\n\n[An Overview of Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/mental-health-schizophrenia)\n\n[How to Keep Schizophrenia Symptoms in Check](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/ss\/slideshow-schizophrenia-tips-living-with)\n\n[Helping Someone Stick With Schizophrenia Treatment](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/features\/stay-on-schizophrenia-meds)\n\nRecommended\n\n![photo of woman meeting with psychiatrist](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/article_thumbnails\/hpt_toc_redesign\/schizophrenia_hpt_toc_redesign\/chapter_4_schizophrenia_1428087028.jpg?resize=500px:*&output-quality=75)\n\n### Related Links\n- [Schizophrenia News](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/news-features)\n- [Schizophrenia Reference](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/medical-reference\/default.htm)\n- [Schizophrenia Slideshows](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/ss\/default.htm)\n- [Schizophrenia Videos](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/video\/default.htm)\n- [Schizophrenia Blogs](https:\/\/blogs.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/default.htm)\n- [Schizophrenia Medications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/drugs\/2\/condition-948\/schizophrenia)\n- [Find a Psychiatrist](https:\/\/doctor.webmd.com\/providers\/specialty\/psychiatry)\n- [Schizophrenia Overview](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/mental-health-schizophrenia)\n- [Schizophrenia Symptoms](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-symptoms)\n- [Schizophrenia Causes](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/what-causes-schizophrenia)\n- [Schizophrenia Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/diagnostic-tests-schizophrenia)\n- [Schizophrenia Treatment](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-therapy-types)\n- [Schizophrenia Relapse](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/prevent-schizophrenia-relapse)\n- [Schizophrenia Complications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-complications)\n- [Smoking Cessation](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/smoking-cessation\/smoking-cessation-guide)\n- [Types of Mental Illness](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/mental-health-types-illness)\n- [Anxiety\/Panic Disorders](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/anxiety-panic\/anxiety-disorders)\n- [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/bipolar-disorder\/mental-health-bipolar-disorder)\n- [Psychotic Depression](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/depression\/psychotic-depression)\n- [Schizoaffective Disorder](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/mental-health-schizoaffective-disorder)\n- [Schizophreniform Disorder](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/schizophrenia\/mental-health-schizophreniform-disorder)\n- [Drug Interaction Checker](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/interaction-checker\/default.htm)\n\n### Sign up for our free Emotional Wellness Newsletter\n#### Get the latest updates on mental and emotional health\n\n![WebMD: Better 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Meta Title	Psychosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Meta Description	Get a deeper understanding of psychosis with this guide. Explore the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options for this mental health condition.
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Boilerpipe Text	Psychosis 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 result from 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. 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. Sometimes, you can lose touch with reality even when you don’t have a primary psychotic illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. When this happens, it’s called secondary psychosis. These episodes stem from something else, like drug use or a medical condition. Whatever the reason, they tend to disappear in a short time, and they often stay away if you treat the condition that caused them. Who gets psychosis? Young people are more likely to get it, but doctors don’t know why. It most often starts when you’re in your teens to late 20s. But it can also affect older people and, rarely, children. How common is psychosis? It’s hard to know exactly how common psychosis is. Studies show that it affects about 15 to 100 out of every 100,000 people each year. Psychosis vs. schizophrenia Psychosis is a symptom of schizophrenia , a complicated mental illness that also has other symptoms. Psychosis can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as serious depression. Psychosis vs. neurosis Doctors used to use the term "neurosis" to describe what they now call anxiety disorders. Symptoms of these disorders may include obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, or compulsive behaviors. But unlike psychosis, they don’t involve losing touch with reality. Psychosis doesn’t start suddenly. It usually follows a pattern. Warning signs before psychosis It starts with gradual changes in the way you think about and understand the world. You or your friends or family members may notice: A drop in grades or job performance Trouble thinking clearly or focusing Feeling suspicious or uneasy around others Lack of self-care or hygiene Spending more time alone than usual Stronger emotions than situations call for No emotions at all Signs of early psychosis You may: Hear, see, or taste things others don’t Hang on to unusual beliefs or thoughts, no matter what others say Pull away from family and friends Stop taking care of yourself Not be able to think clearly or pay attention What does a psychotic episode look like? Usually, you’ll notice all of the above psychosis symptoms , including: Hallucinations. These could be: Auditory hallucinations: Hearing voices when no one is around Tactile hallucinations: Strange sensations or feelings you can’t explain Visual hallucinations : Seeing people or things that aren’t there, or thinking that the shape of things looks wrong Olfactory hallucinations: Smelling odors no one else can Gustatory hallucinations: Tasting things when there’s nothing in your mouth Delusions. These are beliefs that aren’t in line with your culture and don’t make sense to others, such as: Outside forces are in control of your feelings and actions. Small events or comments have huge meaning. You have special powers, are on a special mission, or actually are a god. You might have persecutory delusions, in which you think a person or group of people wants to harm you. Or you could have grandiose delusions , in which you believe you are all-powerful or in a position of authority. Religious delusions, sometimes called spiritual psychosis , center on spiritual or religious themes. Unstable thought patterns could cause outward symptoms, like: Suddenly losing your train of thought, in conversation or while doing a task Speaking quickly Talking constantly Can you be aware of your own psychosis? Often, people with psychosis don’t know it . Your hallucinations and delusions may seem very real to you. Experts say there are three stages of psychotic episodes. What each stage looks like and how long it lasts will vary from person to person. Prodrome In this stage, you have mild changes in your thoughts and moods that tend to show up slowly. They might include: Trouble sleeping Sadness Anxiety Loss of concentration and motivation Avoiding friends and family members Having suspicion and strange beliefs Acute This is when you have typical symptoms of psychosis, like: Confusion Delusions Hallucinations Behavior and personality changes These changes may be apparent to others around you. Recovery While some of your symptoms may remain for a while, they usually go away, allowing you to return to your usual daily routines. Most people recover if they get the right treatment. You may never have another psychotic episode. Along with secondary psychosis and psychosis due to a mental illness, you might hear about these types: Postpartum psychosis This is a rare but serious type of postpartum depression that can happen from a few days to a few weeks after you give birth. It’s more likely to affect those who already have a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but they think sleep loss, hormonal changes, and your genes could play a role. Along with hallucinations and delusions, you could have mood changes, such as sadness and/or joy. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical help right away. Bipolar psychosis About half of the people with bipolar disorder sometimes have delusions and/or hallucinations, usually when they’re in a state of mania (a period of high energy and mood). Treatments include antipsychotic drugs and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves passing mild electric currents through the brain. Postictal psychosis (PIP) This happens in some people with epilepsy who’ve had several seizures in a row. It’s more likely if you’ve had a seizure disorder for a long time or you’ve had a mental illness in the past. Antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine and risperidone can stop symptoms and may help prevent future episodes. Myxedematous psychosis (also called myxedema psychosis) You can get this when your thyroid gland doesn’t work well, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Because of the way thyroid hormone affects your brain, you may have hallucinations, delusions, and changes to your sense of taste or smell if there’s not enough in your body. Your doctor can test your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to confirm myxedema psychosis and rule out other conditions, like schizophrenia. Taking thyroid hormone can help balance your gland’s activity and end the psychosis. Korsakoff psychosis This is a complication of a condition called Wernicke encephalopathy, a brain disorder caused by a shortage of vitamin B1. It most often affects people who have alcohol use disorder. Along with serious memory problems, it can cause disorientation and emotional changes. You may tell false or confused stories when you can’t remember what really happened. It’s treated by restoring your levels of B1 along with good nutrition and hydration. Menstrual psychosis This extremely rare type of psychosis can appear at the beginning of your period, around ovulation, or during the few days before your period starts. It happens because out-of-balance hormones at different points in your cycle can affect your thinking and mood. It may show up quickly and disappear just as fast. During the episodes, you may be confused about what’s real, hallucinate, and believe things that aren’t true. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antipsychotic drugs can help ward off symptoms, even with hormone levels that are hard to predict. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes psychosis. Genes are thought to play a role, but they don’t in every case. What can trigger a psychotic episode? In general, you develop psychosis due to a mental or physical condition, alcohol or drug use, or a traumatic event. Psychological causes. Along with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, serious stress, anxiety, or depression can trigger a psychotic episode. Serious sleep loss could also be a cause. Trauma. The death of a loved one, a sexual assault, or war can lead to psychosis. The type of trauma and the age you were when it happened also play a role. Medical conditions. Besides epilepsy and thyroid problems, illnesses and injuries that can cause psychosis include: Traumatic brain injuries Brain tumors Strokes Parkinson’s disease Alzheimer’s disease Dementia HIV and AIDS Lupus Multiple sclerosis Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Syphilis Malaria Drug-induced psychosis. Drugs that depress the nervous system, such as cannabis (marijuana), as well as stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can affect your brain activity in dramatic ways. These drugs can distort your sense of reality – so what seems real to you may not actually be real. Some prescription medications can also lead to psychosis. Most of the time, this goes away when you stop using the drug. But there’s a strong link between all these drugs and primary psychosis. More than 25% of those who are diagnosed with amphetamine-induced psychosis later have psychotic disorders . Cannabis is involved in roughly half of all cases. Studies suggest that these drugs may not directly cause psychosis but can uncover the condition when it’s already present in people with psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia or a family history of psychosis. If you’ve been using a drug for a while, you could also have psychotic symptoms when you suddenly stop taking it. Drugs used to treat mental illness can lead to problems as well. Although it’s rare, if you’ve been taking an antipsychotic (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, and others) for many months or years, you could develop a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia because of the long-term effects of the medication on your brain. And if you stop taking an antipsychotic medicine, you may get supersensitivity psychosis. Doctors think it happens because ongoing use of this type of drug changes how your brain responds to the chemical dopamine. The use of some antipsychotic medications, like aripiprazole (Abilify), carries a higher risk of psychosis. Most drug-triggered symptoms will clear up after the drug leaves your system. But psychosis from cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP, or "angel dust"), and amphetamines could last weeks. While you wait for the episode to pass, your doctor can ease the symptoms with an antianxiety drug, such as lorazepam (Ativan), or an antipsychotic. Alcohol-induced psychosis. You can get delusions or hallucinations when you’re heavily drunk, suddenly stop drinking alcohol, or have long-term alcoholism. Your doctor can treat you with antipsychotics or other medications. If you’re able to stop using alcohol, your psychosis symptoms probably won’t come back. If you have any psychosis symptoms or notice psychotic behavior in someone around you, contact a doctor or mental health professional right away. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it’s likely to be. Keep in mind that those with psychosis often don’t recognize that they’re having symptoms. You can see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker. They’ll find out what might have caused your symptoms and look for related conditions. They may do drug screening tests as well as blood tests to look for physical causes. Doctors diagnose mental illnesses after ruling out other things that could be causing psychotic symptoms. Psychosis tests There aren't any tests your doctor can use to diagnose psychosis. Instead, they’ll ask you several questions, such as: If any mental health conditions run in your family Whether you take any medications or use illegal drugs What kind of moods you’ve had lately How well you’re able to do your usual activities If you’ve had hallucinations or delusions, what they were like When you have psychosis, you may not be able to care for yourself or do the things you normally do. Some people develop substance use disorders when they use drugs or alcohol to try to deal with their symptoms. People with psychosis have a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. If you're thinking of hurting yourself, or know someone who is, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org . It’s important to get treated early, after the first episode of psychosis. That will help keep the symptoms from affecting your relationships, job, or schoolwork. It may also help you avoid more problems down the road. Medical treatment Your doctor may recommend coordinated specialty care (CSC). This is a team approach to treating schizophrenia when the first symptoms appear. It involves the family as much as possible. The psychosis treatment your doctor suggests will depend on the cause of your psychosis. Your doctor will prescribe antipsychotic drugs – in pills, liquids, or shots – to ease your symptoms. They’ll also suggest you avoid using drugs and alcohol. Inpatient care You might need to get treated in a hospital if you’re at risk of harming yourself or others, or if you can’t control your behavior or do your daily activities. A doctor will check your symptoms, look for causes, and suggest the best treatment for you. Some clinics and programs offer help just for young people. Therapy Counseling, along with medicines, can also help manage psychosis. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This can help you recognize when you have psychotic episodes. It also helps you figure out whether what you see and hear is real or imagined. This kind of therapy also stresses the importance of antipsychotic medications and sticking to your treatment. Supportive psychotherapy. It helps you learn to live with and manage psychosis. It also teaches healthy ways of thinking. Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET). This approach uses computer exercises and group work to help you think and understand better. Family psychoeducation and support. It involves your loved ones. It helps you bond and improves the way you solve problems together. Coordinated specialty care (CSC). CSC creates a team approach to treating psychosis when it’s first diagnosed. It combines medication and psychotherapy with social services and work and education support. When you have psychosis, you have trouble understanding what’s real and what’s not. Many things can cause it, including physical and mental illnesses and substance abuse. Treatment, especially when you get it early in the process, can work very well.
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[View Full Guide](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/default.htm) # Psychosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment ![](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/biographies/sachdev_poonam_382x382.jpg?resize=51px:51px&output-quality=75) Written by [WebMD Editorial Contributors](https://www.webmd.com/webmd-editorial-contributors) Medically Reviewed by [Poonam Sachdev](https://www.webmd.com/bio/poonam-sachdev) on October 09, 2025 - [What Is Psychosis?](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-1-1) - [Symptoms of Psychosis](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-2-3) - [3 Stages of Psychosis](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-4-6) - [Psychosis Types](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-5-8) - [Causes of Psychosis](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-8-12) - [When to See a Doctor](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-10-16) - [Psychosis Diagnosis](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-11-17) - [Psychosis Complications](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-11-18) - [Psychosis Treatment](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-12-19) - [Takeaways](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-psychosis#091e9c5e8132b30b-13-22) 42 min read ## What Is Psychosis? Psychosisaffects 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 result from 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. Even before what doctors call the first episode of psychosis ([FEP](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/first-episode-psychosis)), 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. Sometimes, you can lose touch with reality even when you don’t have a primary psychotic illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. When this happens, it’s called secondary psychosis. These episodes stem from something else, like drug use or a medical condition. Whatever the reason, they tend to disappear in a short time, and they often stay away if you treat the condition that caused them. Who gets psychosis? Young people are more likely to get it, but doctors don’t know why. It most often starts when you’re in your teens to late 20s. But it can also affect older people and, rarely, children. How common is psychosis? It’s hard to know exactly how common psychosis is. Studies show that it affects about 15 to 100 out of every 100,000 people each year. Psychosis vs. schizophrenia Psychosis is a [symptom of schizophrenia](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-symptoms), a complicated mental illness that also has other symptoms. Psychosis can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as serious depression. Psychosis vs. neurosis Doctors used to use the term "neurosis" to describe what they now call anxiety disorders. Symptoms of these disorders may include obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, or compulsive behaviors. But unlike psychosis, they don’t involve losing touch with reality. ![](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/stop_stress_eating_slideshow/1800ss_getty_rf_looking_in_mirror.jpg?resize=750px:&output-quality=75) Psychosis symptoms include delusions (false thoughts) and hallucinations (sensing things that aren’t real). Photo Credit: E+ / Getty Images ## Symptoms of Psychosis Psychosis doesn’t start suddenly. It usually follows a pattern. Warning signs before psychosis* It starts with gradual changes in the way you think about and understand the world. You or your friends or family members may notice: - A drop in grades or job performance - Trouble thinking clearly or focusing - Feeling suspicious or uneasy around others - Lack of self-care or hygiene - Spending more time alone than usual - Stronger emotions than situations call for - No emotions at all Signs of early psychosis You may: - Hear, see, or taste things others don’t - Hang on to unusual beliefs or thoughts, no matter what others say - Pull away from family and friends - Stop taking care of yourself - Not be able to think clearly or pay attention What does a psychotic episode look like? Usually, you’ll notice all of the above [psychosis symptoms](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/psychosis-symptoms-look), including: Hallucinations. These could be: - Auditory hallucinations: Hearing voices when no one is around - Tactile hallucinations: Strange sensations or feelings you can’t explain - [Visual hallucinations](https://www.webmd.com/brain/why-am-i-seeing-things): Seeing people or things that aren’t there, or thinking that the shape of things looks wrong - Olfactory hallucinations: Smelling odors no one else can - Gustatory hallucinations: Tasting things when there’s nothing in your mouth Delusions. These are beliefs that aren’t in line with your culture and don’t make sense to others, such as: - Outside forces are in control of your feelings and actions. - Small events or comments have huge meaning. - You have special powers, are on a special mission, or actually are a god. You might have persecutory delusions, in which you think a person or group of people wants to harm you. Or you could have grandiose delusions, in which you believe you are all-powerful or in a position of authority. Religious delusions, sometimes called spiritual psychosis, center on spiritual or religious themes. Unstable thought patterns could cause outward symptoms, like: - Suddenly losing your train of thought, in conversation or while doing a task - Speaking quickly - Talking constantly Can you be aware of your own psychosis? Often, people with psychosis don’t know it. Your hallucinations and [delusions](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/delusional-disorder) may seem very real to you. ## 3 Stages of Psychosis Experts say there are three stages of psychotic episodes. What each stage looks like and how long it lasts will vary from person to person. Prodrome In this stage, you have mild changes in your thoughts and moods that tend to show up slowly. They might include: - Trouble sleeping - Sadness - [Anxiety](https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-disorders) - Loss of concentration and motivation - Avoiding friends and family members - Having suspicion and strange beliefs Acute This is when you have typical symptoms of psychosis, like: - Confusion - Delusions - Hallucinations - Behavior and personality changes These changes may be apparent to others around you. Recovery While some of your symptoms may remain for a while, they usually go away, allowing you to return to your usual daily routines. Most people recover if they get the right treatment. You may never have another psychotic episode. ## Psychosis Types Along with secondary psychosis and psychosis due to a mental illness, you might hear about these types: Postpartum psychosis This is a rare but serious type of postpartum depression that can happen from a few days to a few weeks after you give birth. It’s more likely to affect those who already have a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but they think sleep loss, hormonal changes, and your genes could play a role. Along with hallucinations and delusions, you could have mood changes, such as sadness and/or joy. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical help right away. Bipolar psychosis About half of the people with bipolar disorder sometimes have delusions and/or hallucinations, usually when they’re in a state of mania (a period of high energy and mood). Treatments include antipsychotic drugs and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves passing mild electric currents through the brain. Postictal psychosis (PIP) This happens in some people with epilepsy who’ve had several seizures in a row. It’s more likely if you’ve had a seizure disorder for a long time or you’ve had a mental illness in the past. Antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine and risperidone can stop symptoms and may help prevent future episodes. Myxedematous psychosis (also called myxedema psychosis) You can get this when your thyroid gland doesn’t work well, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Because of the way thyroid hormone affects your brain, you may have hallucinations, delusions, and changes to your sense of taste or smell if there’s not enough in your body. Your doctor can test your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to confirm myxedema psychosis and rule out other conditions, like schizophrenia. Taking thyroid hormone can help balance your gland’s activity and end the psychosis. Korsakoff psychosis This is a complication of a condition called Wernicke encephalopathy, a brain disorder caused by a shortage of vitamin B1. It most often affects people who have alcohol use disorder. Along with serious memory problems, it can cause disorientation and emotional changes. You may tell false or confused stories when you can’t remember what really happened. It’s treated by restoring your levels of B1 along with good nutritionand hydration. Menstrual psychosis This extremely rare type of psychosis can appear at the beginning of your period, around ovulation, or during the few days before your period starts. It happens because out-of-balance hormones at different points in your cycle can affect your thinking and mood. It may show up quickly and disappear just as fast. During the episodes, you may be confused about what’s real, hallucinate, and believe things that aren’t true. [Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https://www.webmd.com/depression/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-depression) and antipsychotic drugs can help ward off symptoms, even with hormone levels that are hard to predict. ## Causes of Psychosis Doctors don’t know exactly what causes psychosis. Genes are thought to play a role, but they don’t in every case. What can trigger a psychotic episode? In general, you develop psychosis due to a mental or physical condition, alcohol or drug use, or a traumatic event. Psychological causes. Along with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, serious stress, anxiety, or depression can trigger a psychotic episode. Serious sleep loss could also be a cause. Trauma. The death of a loved one, a sexual assault, or war can lead to psychosis. The type of trauma and the age you were when it happened also play a role. Medical conditions. Besides epilepsy and thyroid problems, illnesses and injuries that can cause psychosis include: - Traumatic brain injuries - [Brain tumors](https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/brain-tumors-in-adults) - Strokes - Parkinson’s disease - Alzheimer’s disease - Dementia - HIV and AIDS - Lupus - Multiple sclerosis - Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) - Syphilis - Malaria Drug-induced psychosis. Drugs that depress the nervous system, such as cannabis (marijuana), as well as stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can affect your brain activity in dramatic ways. These drugs can distort your sense of reality – so what seems real to you may not actually be real. Some prescription medications can also lead to psychosis. Most of the time, this goes away when you stop using the drug. But there’s a strong link between all these drugs and primary psychosis. More than 25% of those who are diagnosed with amphetamine-induced psychosis later have [psychotic disorders](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-psychotic-disorders). Cannabis is involved in roughly half of all cases. Studies suggest that these drugs may not directly cause psychosis but can uncover the condition when it’s already present in people with psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia or a family history of psychosis. If you’ve been using a drug for a while, you could also have psychotic symptoms when you suddenly stop taking it. Drugs used to treat mental illness can lead to problems as well. Although it’s rare, if you’ve been taking an antipsychotic (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, and others) for many months or years, you could develop a movement disorder called [tardive dyskinesia](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tardive-dyskinesia) because of the long-term effects of the medication on your brain. And if you stop taking an antipsychotic medicine, you may get supersensitivity psychosis. Doctors think it happens because ongoing use of this type of drug changes how your brain responds to the chemical dopamine. The use of some antipsychotic medications, like aripiprazole (Abilify), carries a higher risk of psychosis. Most drug-triggered symptoms will clear up after the drug leaves your system. But psychosis from cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP, or "angel dust"), and amphetamines could last weeks. While you wait for the episode to pass, your doctor can ease the symptoms with an antianxiety drug, such as lorazepam (Ativan), or an antipsychotic. Alcohol-induced psychosis. You can get delusions or hallucinations when you’re heavily drunk, suddenly stop drinking alcohol, or have long-term alcoholism. Your doctor can treat you with antipsychotics or other medications. If you’re able to stop using alcohol, your psychosis symptoms probably won’t come back. ## When to See a Doctor If you have any psychosis symptoms or notice psychotic behavior in someone around you, contact a doctor or mental health professional right away. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it’s likely to be. Keep in mind that those with psychosis often don’t recognize that they’re having symptoms. ## Psychosis Diagnosis You can see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker. They’ll find out what might have caused your symptoms and look for related conditions. They may do drug screening tests as well as blood tests to look for physical causes. Doctors diagnose mental illnesses after ruling out other things that could be causing psychotic symptoms. Psychosis tests There aren't any tests your doctor can use to diagnose psychosis. Instead, they’ll ask you several questions, such as: - If any mental health conditions run in your family - Whether you take any medications or use illegal drugs - What kind of moods you’ve had lately - How well you’re able to do your usual activities - If you’ve had [hallucinations](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-are-hallucinations) or delusions, what they were like ## Psychosis Complications When you have psychosis, you may not be able to care for yourself or do the things you normally do. Some people develop substance use disorders when they use drugs or alcohol to try to deal with their symptoms. People with psychosis have a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. If you're thinking of hurting yourself, or know someone who is, call or text 988 or chat [988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org/) [.]() ## Psychosis Treatment It’s important to get treated early, after the first episode of psychosis. That will help keep the symptoms from affecting your relationships, job, or schoolwork. It may also help you avoid more problems down the road. Medical treatment Your doctor may recommend coordinated specialty care (CSC). This is a team approach to treating schizophrenia when the first symptoms appear. It involves the family as much as possible. The psychosis treatment your doctor suggests will depend on the cause of your psychosis. Your doctor will prescribe [antipsychotic drugs](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/first-second-generation-antipsychotics) – in pills, liquids, or shots – to ease your symptoms. They’ll also suggest you avoid using drugs and alcohol. Inpatient care You might need to get treated in a hospital if you’re at risk of harming yourself or others, or if you can’t control your behavior or do your daily activities. A doctor will check your symptoms, look for causes, and suggest the best treatment for you. Some clinics and programs offer help just for young people. Therapy Counseling, along with medicines, can also help manage psychosis. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This can help you recognize when you have psychotic episodes. It also helps you figure out whether what you see and hear is real or imagined. This kind of therapy also stresses the importance of antipsychotic medications and sticking to your treatment. Supportive psychotherapy. It helps you learn to live with and manage psychosis. It also teaches healthy ways of thinking. Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET). This approach uses computer exercises and group work to help you think and understand better. Family psychoeducation and support. It involves your loved ones. It helps you bond and improves the way you solve problems together. Coordinated specialty care (CSC). CSC creates a team approach to treating psychosis when it’s first diagnosed. It combines medication and psychotherapy with social services and work and education support. ## Takeaways When you have psychosis, you have trouble understanding what’s real and what’s not. Many things can cause it, including physical and mental illnesses and substance abuse. Treatment, especially when you get it early in the process, can work very well. Sources Update History Share Print Save SOURCES: National Alliance on Mental Illness: ["Psychosis,"](https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/psychosis)["Early Psychosis and Psychosis."](https://naminycmetro.org/diagnoses-mental-health/early-psychosis-and-psychosis) MedlinePlus: ["Psychotic Disorders."](https://medlineplus.gov/psychoticdisorders.html) National Institute of Mental Health: ["Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) Questions & Answers,"](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-initiatives/recovery-after-an-initial-schizophrenia-episode-raise)["What is Psychosis?"](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis) Georgia Health Sciences University: ["The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and Their Families."](https://academic.oup.com/book/41966) Cleveland Clinic: ["Schizophrenia."](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia) Center for Cognition & Recovery: ["What is Cognitive Enhancement Therapy?"](https://cetcleveland.org/what-is-cet-2) World Psychiatry: ["Secondary Psychoses: An Update."](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.20001) American Journal of Psychiatry: "Rates and Predictors of Conversion to Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Following Substance-Induced Psychosis." BMC Psychiatry: "Amphetamine-induced psychosis – a separate diagnostic entity or primary psychosis triggered in the vulnerable?" Merck Manual: ["Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder,"](https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/schizophrenia-and-related-disorders/substance-or-medication-induced-psychotic-disorder) "Brief Psychotic Disorder," "Shared Psychosis." Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics: ["Antipsychotic-Induced Dopamine Supersensitivity Psychosis: Pharmacology, Criteria, and Therapy."](https://karger.com/pps/article/86/4/189/282932/Antipsychotic-Induced-Dopamine-Supersensitivity) University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: ["How Brain Chemicals Influence Mood and Health."](https://share.upmc.com/2016/09/about-brain-chemicals) General Medicine Open Access: "A Case of Menstruation Related Psychosis – A Rare Entity." Journal of Women's Health: ["A Review of Postpartum Psychosis."](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jwh.2006.15.352) Annals of General Psychiatry: ["Postictal Psychosis: Presymptomatic Risk Factors and the Need for Further Investigation of Genetics and Pharmacotherapy."](https://annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1744-859X-5-9) The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: ["Hypothyroidism Presenting as Psychosis: Myxedema Madness Revisited."](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC419396/) Indian Journal of Psychiatry: ["Cannabis and psychosis: Neurobiology."](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3927252/) Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements: ["An Update on Tardive Dyskinesia: From Phenomenology to Treatment."](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3709416/) [View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https://www.webmd.com/about-webmd-policies/about-privacy-policy) Share Print Save [View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https://www.webmd.com/about-webmd-policies/about-privacy-policy) ### More on Schizophrenia ![photo of more on depression](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/hpt_toc_redesign/more_on/MoreOn_Depression.jpg?resize=300px:&output-quality=75) [An Overview of Schizophrenia](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-schizophrenia) [How to Keep Schizophrenia Symptoms in Check](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/ss/slideshow-schizophrenia-tips-living-with) [Helping Someone Stick With Schizophrenia Treatment](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/features/stay-on-schizophrenia-meds) Recommended ![photo of woman meeting with psychiatrist](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/hpt_toc_redesign/schizophrenia_hpt_toc_redesign/chapter_4_schizophrenia_1428087028.jpg?resize=500px:&output-quality=75) ### Related Links - [Schizophrenia News](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/news-features) - [Schizophrenia Reference](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/medical-reference/default.htm) - [Schizophrenia Slideshows](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/ss/default.htm) - [Schizophrenia Videos](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/video/default.htm) - [Schizophrenia Blogs](https://blogs.webmd.com/schizophrenia/default.htm) - [Schizophrenia Medications](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/condition-948/schizophrenia) - [Find a Psychiatrist](https://doctor.webmd.com/providers/specialty/psychiatry) - [Schizophrenia Overview](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-schizophrenia) - [Schizophrenia Symptoms](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-symptoms) - [Schizophrenia Causes](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-causes-schizophrenia) - [Schizophrenia Diagnosis](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/diagnostic-tests-schizophrenia) - [Schizophrenia Treatment](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-therapy-types) - [Schizophrenia Relapse](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/prevent-schizophrenia-relapse) - [Schizophrenia Complications](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-complications) - [Smoking Cessation](https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/smoking-cessation-guide) - [Types of Mental Illness](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-types-illness) - [Anxiety/Panic Disorders](https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-disorders) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/mental-health-bipolar-disorder) - [Psychotic Depression](https://www.webmd.com/depression/psychotic-depression) - [Schizoaffective Disorder](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-schizoaffective-disorder) - [Schizophreniform Disorder](https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-schizophreniform-disorder) - [Drug Interaction Checker](https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm) ### Sign up for our free Emotional Wellness Newsletter #### Get the latest updates on mental and emotional health ![WebMD: Better information. 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