Psychosis
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Psychosis
Psychosis is a mental and behavioral disorder in which a person has trouble telling the difference between what is real and what is not real. It may cause bizarre thoughts and behavior.
A person with psychosis may have:
- Delusions, which are firmly held but false beliefs. Irrational suspicion of others (paranoia) is a common delusion. The person may think others are watching or trying to hurt or even kill him or her.
- Hallucinations, which are false perceptions. Hallucinations can include seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting things that are not really there.
- Personality changes.
Treatment for psychosis depends on the cause and may include care in a hospital. Medications that diminish hallucinations and delusions and stabilize thinking and behavior are helpful. Group or individual therapy also may be helpful.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | May 14, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 14, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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