Psychosis is a serious mental health condition that disrupts a person's connection to reality, often causing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (fixed false beliefs), disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning. It affects about 3% of people at some point in life, per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and can occur in isolation or as part of disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or substance-induced states.

Severity and Risks: Untreated psychosis is highly disruptive and dangerous. It impairs daily life work, relationships, self-care and raises suicide risk by up to 10-15% in schizophrenia cases (World Health Organization data). Early episodes can lead to hospitalization; chronic cases may cause cognitive decline, social isolation, or legal issues from erratic behavior. Substance use (e.g., methamphetamine) or medical conditions (e.g., brain tumors, dementia) can trigger acute, life-threatening episodes.

Treatment and Prognosis: With prompt intervention, outcomes improve dramatically. Antipsychotic medications reduce symptoms in 70-80% of first-episode cases within weeks (NIMH studies). Psychotherapy like CBT, family support, and rehab help recovery. The "critical period" is the first 2-5 years early treatment prevents relapse and brain changes, with 20-30% achieving full remission and many managing well long-term.

However, delays worsen prognosis: each untreated year increases chronic disability risk. Stigma often hinders help-seeking, exacerbating isolation.

When to Seek Help: If you or someone experiences reality distortions, confusion, or withdrawal, contact a psychiatrist or emergency services immediately. Hotlines like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline (1-800-950-6264 in the US) offer guidance.

Psychosis isn't a "death sentence" it's treatable, but seriousness demands urgency. Early action restores lives; inaction risks profound loss.