Psychosis
Pronunciation: sy-KOH-sis
A clinical state characterised by a loss of contact with reality, typically involving hallucinations, delusions, or severely disorganised thinking.
Full Definition
Psychosis is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom cluster that can occur across multiple psychiatric and medical conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe major depression, and substance intoxication. It is defined by the presence of positive symptoms such as hallucinations (perceptions without external stimuli) and delusions (fixed false beliefs). Editors should note that 'psychosis' and 'psychotic disorder' are not synonymous; the former is a symptom state, the latter a diagnostic category. In clinical documentation, the term should appear only when a clinician has used it; lay substitutions such as 'break from reality' are inappropriate in formal records. The adjectival form is 'psychotic.'
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish 'psychosis' (symptom state) from 'psychotic disorder' (diagnostic category). The plural 'psychoses' is standard.
In Context
- "The discharge summary noted a resolving psychosis, attributed to brief psychotic disorder, with no residual delusions at time of release." — Inpatient discharge summary
- "Editors must not substitute 'psychosis' with 'breakdown,' as the latter is non-clinical and imprecise." — Editorial style guide for psychiatric records