Is a set of symptoms rather than a condition in itself.

There are different types of psychotic disorders these are – Schizophrenia (see separate page), Drug or Alcohol Related Psychosis, Organic Psychosis, Bipolar (see separate page), Psychotic Depression and Delusional Disorder.

These are serious mental disorders characterised by thinking and emotions that are so impaired that they indicate that the person experiencing them has lost contact with reality.

People who are psychotic have false thoughts (delusions) and/or see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations).  These are referred to as “positive” symptoms; “negative” symptoms like loss of motivation and social withdrawal can also occur.

These experiences can be frightening and may cause people who are suffering from psychosis to hurt themselves or others.  Psychosis affects three out of every 100 people.  It is most likely to be diagnosed in young adults but psychosis can happen to anyone.