Causes of psychosis

Psychosis is a state in which a person loses touch with shared reality, for example by hearing voices or holding fixed false beliefs. It is a symptom, not a single disease, and has many possible causes.

Mental health conditions

• Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
• Bipolar disorder (during severe mania or depression)
• Severe depression with psychotic features
• Brief psychotic disorder and delusional disorder
• Postpartum psychosis, a rare emergency after childbirth

Substances and medicines

• Cannabis (especially high-strength), amphetamines, cocaine, LSD and other drugs
• Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal (delirium tremens)
• Some prescribed medicines such as steroids and some Parkinson's drugs
• Withdrawal from certain sedatives

Medical causes

• Infections of the brain or body, high fever, severe infection in older adults
• Head injury, brain tumour, epilepsy, stroke
• Dementia and Parkinson's disease
• Thyroid disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, low sodium or calcium
• Autoimmune brain inflammation, HIV and lupus
• Sleep deprivation

Risk factors

• Family history
• Heavy cannabis use in teenage years
• Trauma, abuse and chronic stress
• Premature birth or birth complications
• Social isolation and urban stress

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Ayurveda compares psychotic states with Unmada, linked with aggravated doshas affecting the mind. This is a traditional framework and not a modern diagnosis.

When to get help

Seek a psychiatrist or doctor promptly for hallucinations, delusions or confused speech. Because medical causes can mimic psychosis, a physical check is important.

Remember

Psychosis has many causes, including treatable medical ones. Early assessment helps recovery.