Definition & Meaning of "psychosis"

What is "psychosis"?

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, which can include hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking. Hallucinations involve seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, while delusions are false beliefs that are firmly believed in despite evidence to the contrary. People experiencing psychosis may also have disorganized thoughts and speech, as well as difficulty concentrating or focusing. Psychosis can be a symptom of various mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, or it can be caused by substance abuse or medical conditions. Treatment typically involves medication, therapy, and support to manage symptoms and improve functioning.