Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. During episodes of psychosis, individuals may experience significant disruptions in their thoughts and perceptions, leading to difficulties in distinguishing what is real from what is not. This can manifest through various symptoms, primarily hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present) and delusions (holding false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary).

Psychosis can affect anyone, but it most commonly begins in late adolescence to early adulthood, typically between the ages of 16 and 30. However, it can also occur in children and older adults, particularly those with underlying neurological conditions. Studies estimate that approximately 15 to 100 individuals per 100,000 develop psychosis each year.

The symptoms of psychosis can vary widely among individuals, but generally include: 

Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences without external stimuli, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there. 

Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or contrary evidence, such as believing one has special powers or is being persecuted. 

Disorganized Thinking: This may manifest as incoherent speech or difficulty maintaining a logical flow of thought. 

Behavioral Changes: Individuals may exhibit unusual behavior or emotional responses that do not align with the situation.

There is no single cause of psychosis; rather, it results from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances (particularly involving neurotransmitters like dopamine), environmental factors (such as trauma or stress), and physical health issues (like neurological disorders). Common causes include:

Early intervention is crucial for effective treatment of psychosis.

Antipsychotic Medications: These medications help alleviate symptoms by affecting neurotransmitter activity in the brain. 

Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can assist individuals in managing their symptoms and improving coping strategies. 

Coordinated Specialty Care: This approach combines medication management with supportive services tailored to individual needs.

Support from family members and education about the condition are also vital components of recovery.