Psychosis

Symptoms

Psychosis produces emotional and behavioral changes in patients. Tell—tale symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and confusion [Table 2]. Psychotic hallucinations are often visual or auditory. Patients may see things that are not there or hear voices. Occasionally, hallucinations involve the other senses — taste, touch, and smell. Psychotic patients suffering from delusions are so convinced of their false belief that even the most rational argument cannot dissuade them. A patient may believe he is George Washington or think that she has magic powers. Delusions are sometimes paranoid; patients might feel that their lives are in danger, and call the police repeatedly. Confusion is also common in psychosis; thoughts tend to be muddled, and speech stops making sense.

Radical shifts in emotions and behavior may accompany psychosis, but are not considered to be psychotic symptoms. The patient might become incredibly happy and overactive, or severely depressed and lethargic. He or she may laugh at odd times, or become angered and upset for no apparent reason.

Risk Factors

Although psychosis can affect all age groups, it often occurs in younger people. Psychosis caused by a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or manic depression usually starts during the teen years or in early adulthood. In young people, psychosis can be mistaken for normal teenage rebellion, or can be associated with drug and alcohol use. Depression—related psychosis typically begins after adolescence, and may appear during the second or third decade.

Having a family history of schizophrenia puts you at risk for psychosis.