Word parts
What it means
A state, not a diagnosis by itself, in which the person cannot tell what is real. It often includes hallucinationhuh-loo-sih-NAY-shunHearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.Full entry (sensing things that are not there) and delusions (fixed false beliefs), with confused thinking and speech. It is seen in schizophreniaskit-suh-FREE-nee-uhA long-term mental illness that changes a person's thinking, feelings and behavior, often with a loss of contact with reality.schizo- splitphren/o mind-ia conditionFull entry , severe depression or bipolar disorder, deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry , dementia, drug or alcohol use and withdrawal, and some medical illnesses.
For the nurse
Keep the client and others safe, speak calmly and simply, and do not argue with or agree with false beliefs. A new psychosis needs a medical check for causes such as infection, drugs or low oxygen.
At a glance
| Spanish | psicosis |
|---|---|
| Also written | psychoses, psychotic |
Related terms
psych/o
A word root that means mind.
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
hallucination
Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.
schizophrenia
A long-term mental illness that changes a person's thinking, feelings and behavior, often with a loss of contact with reality.
mental illness
A health condition that changes a person's thinking, mood or behavior and causes distress or problems in daily life.