Psychosis occurs when an individual loses touch with reality—a break that can be terrifying to experience or to observe in a loved one. Psychosis can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and abnormal movements. Hallucinations—perceiving something that doesn’t exist—and delusions or false beliefs are hallmarks of psychosis. Disorganized speech may manifest as incoherent babbling
What Is Psychosis? (Plain Language Explanation)
Psychosis refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Psychosis
- Symptoms: The specific ways psychosis shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen psychosis
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When psychosis occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Psychosis
- Psychosis is far more common than most people realize
- Psychosis is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with psychosis see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about psychosis is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing psychosis, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.