Psychosis is a group of symptoms that affects how a person interprets reality. Thoughts and perceptions may become disrupted, making it difficult to distinguish what is real from what is not. Psychosis can be frightening, but effective treatment and support are available.
Symptoms
Experiences differ from person to person. Common features include:
- Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that others do not.
- Delusions, which are strongly held beliefs that are not shared by others and remain despite clear evidence.
- Disorganized thinking or speech, including rapidly changing topics, losing a train of thought or speech that is difficult to follow.
- Changes in behavior, sleep, motivation, concentration, self care or social contact.
These experiences feel real to the person. Calm, respectful communication is more helpful than arguing, mocking or confirming a belief that may increase danger.
Possible causes
Psychosis is a symptom rather than one diagnosis. It can occur with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, postpartum psychosis and some neurological or medical conditions. Sleep deprivation, severe stress, alcohol or drug use, withdrawal and certain medicines can also contribute.
A first episode needs prompt assessment because treatment depends on the cause and some physical causes require urgent care.
Assessment
A mental health professional asks about experiences, mood, sleep, functioning, medicines, substances, physical symptoms and safety. Medical examination, blood tests, drug testing or brain imaging may be needed in selected cases. There is no single test that confirms psychosis.
See our Mental Health section for related conditions and sources of support.
Treatment
Early treatment is linked to better outcomes. Care may involve an early intervention team, antipsychotic medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy, family intervention and practical support with education, employment, housing and daily life.
Antipsychotic medicines can reduce symptoms but may cause side effects, including movement problems, sleepiness, weight gain and metabolic changes. Treatment should be reviewed regularly, with physical health monitoring. Do not stop an antipsychotic suddenly without advice from the prescribing team.
Treatment should also address substance use, sleep, trauma, mood symptoms and any underlying medical condition. Recovery is individual and may include symptom improvement, rebuilding daily routines and preventing relapse.
Helping someone experiencing psychosis
Speak calmly, use short clear sentences and reduce noise or stimulation. Acknowledge that the person is distressed without agreeing with frightening beliefs. Ask what would help them feel safer and contact their care team or a local crisis service.
Do not put yourself in danger. If there is an immediate risk, move to a safe place and call emergency services.
When to seek urgent help
Get urgent mental health assessment for new hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion or behavior that is markedly different from usual. Emergency help is needed if the person may harm themselves or someone else, cannot care for basic needs, is extremely agitated, has severe confusion, or has symptoms after childbirth.
Call emergency services for reduced consciousness, seizure, high fever, sudden neurological symptoms, a suspected overdose or severe intoxication. These can indicate a medical emergency rather than a primary mental health condition.
Sources
- NHS: Psychosis overview
- NHS: Psychosis diagnosis
- NHS: Psychosis treatment
- National Institute of Mental Health: Understanding psychosis
Using this information
This information supports, but does not replace, urgent assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. New psychosis can have psychiatric, medical or substance related causes, and safety must be assessed promptly.
Reviewed: 28 August 2026