Psychosis describes a condition where the person loses touch with reality and is unable to differentiate between what is real and what is imaginary. He may see, hear or believe things that are not real. Approximately 3 in 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis in their lives. Young adults are at increased risk, but psychosis can happen at any stage of life.

Psychosis is not an illness in itself, but a symptom which can be part of a physical or mental illness.