The term psychosis refers to the experience of a person losing their ability to determine what is real and what isn’t. The diagnosis is used to describe an individual’s beliefs and experiences that are not seen or heard by other people.
The beliefs are viewed by others as unusual or untrue and are described as ‘delusions’. Hearing voices, seeing visions, and perceiving things that cannot be sensed by other people are called ‘hallucinations’.
Delusions and hallucinations may add meaning and value to a person’s life and do not necessarily cause problems. However, for some people, the delusions and hallucinations are frightening and make it difficult for them to do the things they want to do.
Some people may experience these delusions and hallucinations after using drugs.
These organisations provide information and support for individuals, as well as family members, friends, and carers of a person who is experiencing Psychosis.