Psychosis refers to a state in which perceptions or beliefs become substantially disconnected from shared reality. Common features include hallucinations, delusions and markedly disorganised thinking. A person might hear a voice without an external speaker…Continue Reading
Perception is the process of interpreting sensory information into meaningful experiences. During psychosis, a person may hear, see or feel something without a corresponding external stimulus. These experiences are called hallucinations. Perceptual changes can also…Continue Reading
Beliefs help people interpret events and decide how to respond. During psychosis, an interpretation may become fixed and resistant to evidence that would usually encourage reconsideration. A person may believe they are being monitored, have…Continue Reading
Psychosis can accompany several different conditions. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are important examples, but psychotic symptoms may also occur during mania or severe depression. Substances such as stimulants and high-THC cannabis can contribute, while prescribed…Continue Reading
A psychotic episode may develop over hours, days or longer, and its duration depends partly on the cause. Some episodes resolve relatively quickly, while others persist or recur. Clinicians distinguish the onset of symptoms, the…Continue Reading