Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them. During a psychotic episode, a persons thoughts and perceptions are disrupted, and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not. The most common types of psychotic experiences are hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and speech. People with psychosis typically experience delusions, false beliefs that are not shared by others, and hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that others do not. Other symptoms can include incoherent or nonsense speech and behavior that is inappropriate for the situation.

Psychosis can be triggered by a mental or physical condition, alcohol or drug use, or a traumatic event. It can also be caused by physical illnesses or head injuries. The risk of self-harm and suicide is higher in people with psychosis.

Behavioral warning signs for psychosis include suspiciousness, paranoid ideas, or uneasiness with others, trouble thinking clearly and logically, withdrawing socially and spending a lot more time alone, unusual or overly intense ideas, strange feelings, or a lack of feelings, decline in self-care or personal hygiene, and disruption of sleep.

It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing changes in behavior or notice them in a friend or family member and they begin to intensify or do not go away. Treatment for psychosis can help reduce the risk of violence and suicide.