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psychosis

psychosis is a mental and behavioural disorder in which a person has trouble telling the difference between what is real and what is not real. it may cause bizarre thoughts and behaviour.

a person with psychosis may have:

  • delusions, which are firmly held but false beliefs. irrational suspicion of others (paranoia) is a common delusion. the person may think others are watching or trying to hurt or even kill him or her.
  • hallucinations, which are false perceptions. hallucinations can include seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting things that are not really there.
  • personality changes.

treatment for psychosis depends on the cause and may include care in a hospital. medicines that diminish hallucinations and delusions and stabilize thinking and behaviour are helpful. group or individual therapy also may be helpful.

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