Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality, typically including delusions (false ideas about what is taking place or who one is) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things which aren't there).

Psychosis is a severe mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality. There are numerous potential causes:

• Alcohol and certain drugs can induce psychosis
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
• Brain tumors
• Epilepsy
• Psychotic depression
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia (Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain disorders)
• Stroke

• Loss of touch with reality
• Seeing, hearing, feeling, or otherwise perceiving things that are not there (hallucinations)
• Disorganized thought and/or speech
• Emotion is exhibited in an abnormal manner
• Extreme excitement (mania)
• Confusion
• Depression and sometimes suicidal thoughts
• Unfounded fear/suspicion
• Mistaken perceptions (illusions)
• False beliefs (delusions)

Psychological evaluation and testing are used to diagnosis the cause of the psychosis.

Laboratory or radiological testing may not be essential, but sometimes can help pinpoint the exact diagnosis. Tests may include:

• MRI of the brain
• Tests for syphilis
• Drug screens