Psychosis
Definition
Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality, usually including false ideas about what is taking place or who one is (delusions) and seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations).
Alternative Names
PsychoticCauses
Psychosis is a severe mental condition in which there is a loss of contact with reality. There are many possible causes:
- Alcohol and certain drugs
- Brain tumors
- Dementia (including Alzheimer's)
- Epilepsy
- Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
- Psychotic depression
- Schizophrenia
- Stroke
References
International Early Psychosis Association Writing Group. International clinical practice guidelines for early psychosis. Br J Psychiatry, 2005;187:s120-s124.
Addington D, Bouchard RH, Goldberg J, Honer B, Malla A, Norman R, Tempier R. Clinical practice guidelines: treatment of schizophrenia. Can J Psychiatry, 2005;50:7S-57S.
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