Psychosis

Diagnosis

When determining the cause of psychosis, a doctor will take a careful history. It is important for the doctor to determine whether psychosis is the result of a psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia, or whether it is secondary to an underlying medical problem. Because the patient may not be able to communicate reliably, relatives and friends should accompany the patient to the doctor’s office to provide accurate information.

The doctor will perform a physical evaluation to rule out an underlying medical problem. Physical and neurological examinations can unearth a medical disorder that may have triggered psychosis. To determine whether psychosis is secondary to some sort of brain dysfunction, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s sense of smell, vision, and hearing; strength and reflexes, and stance and gait. Radiological studies, such as x—rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, can reveal a structural problem in the brain. Blood tests and urinalysis can indicate a possible thyroid or other metabolic problem, vitamin deficiency, drug use, or infection.