There is a group of illnesses which disrupt the functioning of the brain so much, they cause a condition called psychosis. When someone experiences psychosis they are unable to distinguish what is real - there is a loss of contact with reality. Most people are able to recover from an episode of psychosis.

Among symptoms doctors look for are:

• Confused thinking - when acutely ill, people with psychotic symptoms experience disordered thinking. The everyday thoughts that let us live our daily lives become confused and don't join up properly.
• Delusions - delusion is a false belief held by a person which is not held by others of the same cultural background.
• Hallucinations - the person sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes something that is not actually there. The hallucination is often of disembodied voices which no one else can hear.

More information on psychosis can be found at the following websites:

• The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC)  - EPPIC is a specialist early psychosis clinical program within ORYGEN Youth Health
• Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia  - the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia represents people affected by severe mental illness.
• SANE Australia  - SANE Australia is a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through education, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes.
• Reachout  - information and support for young people.
• The International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA)  - IEPA is an international network for people involved in the study and treatment of early psychosis. It provides a forum for members around the world who wish to promote and facilitate best practice in education, research and treatment.

Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.

Last Updated: 24 April 2008
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2008