PSYCHOSIS

PSYCHOSIS

Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality that usually includes:

-False beliefs about what is taking place or who one is (delusions)

-Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)

CAUSES

A number of medical problems can cause psychosis, including:

-Alcohol and certain illegal drugs, both during use and during withdrawal

-Brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and certain chromosomal disorders

-Brain tumors or cysts

-Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)

-HIV and other infections that affect the brain

-Some prescription drugs, such as steroids and stimulants

-Some types of epilepsy

-Stroke

Psychosis (or psychotic symptoms) may also be found in:

-Most people with schizophrenia

-Some people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or severe depression

-Some personality disorders

SYMPTOMS

Psychotic symptoms may include:

-Disorganized thought and speech

-False beliefs that are not based in reality (delusions), especially unfounded fear or suspicion

-Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)

-Thoughts that "jump" between unrelated topics (disordered thinking)

EXAMS AND TESTS

Psychiatric evaluation and testing are used to diagnose the cause of the psychosis.

Laboratory testing and brain scans may not be needed, but sometimes can help pinpoint the diagnosis. Tests may include:

-Blood tests for abnormal electrolyte and hormone levels

-Blood tests for syphilis and other infections

-Drug screens

-MRI of the brain

TREATMENT

Treatment depends on the cause of the psychosis. Care in a hospital is often needed to ensure the patient's safety.

Anti-psychotic drugs, which reduce hallucinations and delusions and improve thinking and behavior are helpful, whether the cause is a medical or psychiatric disorder.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Psychosis can prevent people from functioning normally and caring for themselves. If the condition is left untreated, people can sometimes harm themselves or others.

PREVENTION

Prevention depends on the cause. For example, avoiding alcohol abuse prevents alcohol-induced psychosis.