Psychosis

Psychosis refers to the presence of a variety of symptoms that alter an individual’s perceptions of, and interactions with, external reality. The hallmark symptomatology consists of delusions and hallucinations, and disorganized thinking/speech, abnormal motor behavior, and negative symptoms are often concomitant aspects of psychotic episodes. The emergence of psychosis is typically observed during late adolescence through early adulthood, and childhood onset occurs to a lesser extent. The rendering of an accurate diagnosis becomes more complex during childhood, especially when the possibilities of intellectual or developmental disorders or both are present. Accurate assessment is therefore essential in placing the individual on an appropriate treatment trajectory that considers all contributing factors. Psychosis can be highly debilitating and functionally impairing, but several interventions have been deemed effective in ...