Psychosis—losing touch with reality through hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking—can be triggered by several mental health conditions. It’s not a diagnosis itself, but a symptom that appears across multiple disorders.

1. Schizophrenia

This is the most well-known cause. Psychosis is a core feature, often accompanied by disorganized speech, flat emotions, and social withdrawal. Symptoms typically last for months or years.

2. Bipolar Disorder

During severe manic or depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder can experience mood-congruent psychosis—like grandiose delusions during mania (“I’m a prophet”) or guilt-based delusions in depression (“I’ve ruined everything”).

3. Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features

In severe depression, psychosis may emerge—usually aligning with mood themes (e.g., believing you’re guilty of a crime you didn’t commit). This is less common but serious and requires urgent care.

4. Schizoaffective Disorder

This condition blends symptoms of schizophrenia (like hallucinations) with clear mood episodes (depression or mania). Psychosis occurs both during mood episodes and outside of them.

5. Brief Psychotic Disorder

Triggered by extreme stress (like a trauma or loss), this involves sudden psychosis lasting less than one month, followed by full recovery. It’s intense but temporary.

6. Delusional Disorder

People hold one or more fixed false beliefs (e.g., being followed or poisoned) without other schizophrenia symptoms. Hallucinations, if present, are minor and tied to the delusion.

7. Postpartum Psychosis

A rare but medical emergency occurring after childbirth. Symptoms include confusion, paranoia, and delusions about the baby. Requires immediate treatment.

Important Notes

• Substance use (meth, cannabis, LSD, alcohol withdrawal) can also cause psychosis.
• Medical conditions (brain injury, dementia, infections) must be ruled out.

While many mental illnesses can trigger psychosis, early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes—often full recovery, especially when the cause is mood- or stress-related.

Understanding the root cause isn’t just academic—it shapes the right path to healing.