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Psychosis

From DrKoop's partner site on bipolar, BipolarConnect.com
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Definition

Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality, typically including delusions (false ideas about what is taking place or who one is) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things which aren't there).


Alternative Names

Psychotic


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Psychosis is a severe mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality. There are numerous potential causes:

  • Alcohol and certain drugs can induce psychosis
  • Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
  • Brain tumors
  • Epilepsy
  • Psychotic depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Dementia (Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain disorders)
  • Stroke

Review Date: 05/17/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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