Subtitle Forum: Is Psychosis a Mental Disorder?
Psychosis is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and disorganized behavior. It can be a symptom of a variety of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and major depressive disorder with psychotic features.
Delusions are false beliefs about the world or oneself that persist in spite of evidence to the contrary. People with psychotic disorders may have delusions that are bizarre, such as believing that people are plotting against them or that their thoughts are being controlled by someone else.
Hallucinations are false sensory experiences, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there. People with psychotic disorders may hallucinate in any of the five senses.
Disorganized thinking is a symptom of psychosis characterized by incoherent or illogical thoughts. People with psychosis may have difficulty following a conversation, focusing on a task, or expressing themselves clearly.
Disorganized behavior is a symptom of psychosis characterized by unpredictable and bizarre behavior. People with psychosis may act in ways that are inappropriate or that others find strange or frightening.
While psychosis can be a symptom of serious mental health conditions, it can also be a normal part of the human experience. Stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation can cause people to experience psychotic symptoms. In some cases, psychotic symptoms can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a brain tumor or an infection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing psychotic symptoms, it's important to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you determine whether the symptoms are part of an underlying mental health condition or something else.