Psychosis refers to behavior involving loss of contact with reality.
In the psychology context, psychosis refers to a severe mental disorder that affects a person's ability to think clearly, make rational judgments, and distinguish reality from delusions or hallucinations. Some examples of psychotic disorders include:
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Schizophrenia: A chronic mental disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and difficulty with emotional expression.
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Bipolar disorder with psychotic features: A mental disorder characterized by episodes of manic and depressive mood swings, with accompanying symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.
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Major depressive disorder with psychotic features: A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities that a person typically enjoys, with accompanying symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations.
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Delusional disorder: A rare condition in which a person holds fixed, false beliefs that are not based in reality, but are nonetheless strongly held and resistant to change.
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Substance-induced psychotic disorder: A temporary condition that can result from the use of drugs or alcohol, or from withdrawal from such substances. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech or behavior.
Psychotic disorders can be very disabling and require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and support from family and caregivers.