Psychosis is a condition in which a person loses touch with reality, often experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking. It is important to understand that psychosis is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, meaning it can occur in a variety of psychiatric, medical, or substance-related conditions.
Three common causes of psychosis include primary psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychotic features), substance-induced psychosis (triggered by drugs like methamphetamine, cannabis, or alcohol withdrawal), and underlying medical conditions (such as infections, neurological disorders, or metabolic imbalances).
Mental health providers assess psychosis through a comprehensive clinical interview, mental status examination, and medical screening when necessary. During the assessment, clinicians evaluate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, thought organization, mood changes, substance use history, and possible medical contributors. Identifying the underlying cause of psychosis is essential because treatment and prognosis depend on the condition driving the symptoms.
