Psychosis facts for kids

Psychosis is a health condition that affects how a person thinks and sees the world. It can make it hard to tell what is real and what isn't. People experiencing psychosis might have delusions. These are strong beliefs that are not true. They might also have hallucinations. This means seeing or hearing things that are not actually there.

Other signs can include trouble speaking clearly. A person might also act in ways that seem unusual for the situation. They may have trouble sleeping or want to be alone. Feeling unmotivated or finding daily tasks difficult can also be part of psychosis. It is a serious condition that needs help.

What Causes Psychosis?

Psychosis can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes, it is linked to other mental illnesses. These include conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In rare cases, severe depression can also lead to psychosis.

Other things that can cause psychosis include:

• Difficult or upsetting experiences, also known as trauma.
• Not getting enough sleep.
• Some medical conditions.
• Certain medications.
• Other substances.

One type of psychosis is called postpartum psychosis. This can happen to a person after giving birth. Scientists believe a brain chemical called dopamine plays a role in psychosis.

Psychosis is called primary if it comes from a mental health condition. It is called secondary if it is caused by a medical problem or certain substances. Doctors will check for other health issues. They want to make sure these are not causing the psychosis.

Getting Help for Psychosis

Getting help early can make a big difference. Treatment for psychosis often includes antipsychotic medication. These medicines can help balance brain chemicals. Psychotherapy is also very helpful. This is a type of talk therapy. It helps people understand their thoughts and feelings.

Having social support from family and friends is also important. It helps people feel connected and understood. The outcome for someone with psychosis depends on what caused it.

How Common is Psychosis?

In the United States, about 3% of people will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. This means about 3 out of every 100 people. The condition has been known for a very long time. It was described by Hippocrates in ancient Greece around 400 BC. It may even have been mentioned in an ancient Egyptian text from 1500 BC.