What is Psychosis
Psychosis is a condition that may be a feature of a number of disorders. Psychosis refers to a primary disturbance of thinking which is then reflected in certain symptoms such as disturbances in perception (hallucinations), disturbances in belief and the interpretation of the environment (delusions) and disorganised speech patterns (thought disorder) (Birchwood 1996). There are multiple causes of psychosis, including mood disorders, substance misuse, exposure to severe stress and medical conditions or diseases.
Psychosis is most likely to occur in young adults and is quite common. Around 3 out of every 100 young people will experience a psychotic episode-making psychosis more common than diabetes in young people. Most make a full recovery from the experience.
Psychosis can happen to anyone. Like any other illness it can be treated.