Psychosis
Alternative names:
psychotic
Definition:
A general term referring to any significant mental disorder that has a physical or emotional source; characterized by a loss of contact with reality.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Psychosis is a severe mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality. Neurosis is a similar condition but milder--a neurotic person knows he or she is ill, whereas a psychotic person usually does not realize that he or she cannot think, perceive, or judge clearly. Psychosis is what is commonly thought of as "madness" or "crazy" behavior.
Psychotic illnesses have a physical or emotional cause. They include such disorders as:
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