Psychosis is not a diagnosis by itself but a collection of experiences that affect how a person interprets reality. During psychosis, someone might see or hear things others do not, hold firm beliefs that are not based in reality, or act in ways that feel confusing to those around them. While these changes can be frightening, they are signs of a mental health condition that can be treated.
Psychosis symptoms
Psychosis often develops gradually. In the beginning, the changes may be subtle and easy to overlook. Early signs might include:
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Feeling unusually suspicious or disconnected
- Changes in sleep or energy
When symptoms progress, they may become more recognizable as psychotic symptoms, such as:
- Hallucinations: Hearing voices, seeing things, or sensing experiences others do not
- Delusions: Strong beliefs that are clearly untrue, such as thinking others are plotting harm
- Disorganized thinking or speech: Jumping between topics, using words out of context, or making connections that do not follow logic
- Confused behavior: Agitation, pacing, or struggling to follow daily routines
Not everyone will experience every symptom, and intensity can change over time. Some people notice only one or two of these symptoms during a psychotic episode, while others may experience several at once.
What happens during a psychotic episode?
A psychotic episode is a period when symptoms become more intense and harder to ignore. Someone may suddenly appear disconnected from reality, frightened, or confused. To outside observers, this can look unpredictable, but for the person experiencing it, the sensations and beliefs often feel very real.
During an episode, it helps to:
- Remain calm and patient
- Avoid arguing about what is real and what is not
- Offer reassurance without judgment
- Encourage professional help as quickly as possible
Episodes can be distressing, but they do not last forever. With treatment, many people move out of this acute stage and begin recovery.
Causes of psychosis
Psychosis has many possible causes. It can develop as part of a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, or alongside conditions such as bipolar disorder or severe depression. Medical issues like neurological illness or head injury may also play a role. Substance use, particularly cannabis, hallucinogens, or stimulants, can sometimes trigger psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
Genetics and brain development also contribute. Having a family history of psychosis may increase risk, though not everyone with this background will experience symptoms.1 Stressful life events and trauma may act as additional triggers. This combination of influences shows why psychosis is best understood as complex and multifaceted rather than the result of one single cause.
Stages of psychosis
Experts often describe three stages of psychosis:2
- Prodrome (early stage): Subtle changes in mood, thought, and behavior, such as withdrawal or difficulty concentrating
- Acute episode: Clear and disruptive symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or confused behavior
- Recovery: Symptoms lessen with treatment, and focus shifts to rebuilding stability and daily life
Not everyone moves through these stages in the same way. Some people recover fully after one episode, while others may cycle through stages more than once.
Can a person recover from psychosis?
Yes. Many people recover fully, while others learn to manage recurring symptoms with support. Early treatment is key. The sooner someone begins care after symptoms appear, the better the outcomes tend to be. Recovery does not always mean symptoms disappear entirely. For many, it means learning how to manage symptoms, prevent relapses, and return to daily routines with greater confidence.
Psychosis treatment
The most effective psychosis treatment often combines several approaches:
- Medication to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and risk of relapse
- Therapy to build coping skills, provide education, and support long-term recovery
- Family involvement to strengthen support at home
- Coordinated specialty care to connect people with multiple providers and resources at once
At Northeast Health Services, treatment may include therapy with licensed providers and psychiatric medication management. This combination allows for personalized care based on each person’s needs.
The difference between schizophrenia and psychosis
It is easy to confuse these terms. Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition where psychosis is a central feature. Psychosis, however, is broader. It can occur in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or even after substance use. In other words, psychosis is a symptom, while schizophrenia is a diagnosis that includes psychosis as one of its key features.
Hope in recovery with help from NEHS
Experiencing psychosis is not the end of the story. Many people recover after one episode. Others live full, meaningful lives while managing symptoms over time. Support from professionals, family, and peers can make a tremendous difference. Early recognition of symptoms of psychosis and prompt access to treatment are the most important steps in promoting recovery.
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Sources:
2. Yale School of Medicine. What is Psychosis. Accessed 8.20.2025.