Psychosis

Facts About Psychosis

Psychosis is a medical condition that affects the brain.
It causes the person to lose touch with reality.
The first episode is usually seen in teens or young adults.
Psychosis affects males and females equally.
About 3 out of 100 people will have an episode of psychosis in their lifetime
Psychosis is seen in all cultures and social and economic groups.
Using drugs can place young people at risk.
Having a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia puts a person at more risk of psychosis.
Not everyone experiences psychosis the same.
Psychosis can be treated and a person can recover.

Psychosis is Not

caused by bad parenting or being poor
caused by some failure of yours
a split personality

When young people have trouble coping, it can take it can show itself in many ways. Anxiety, depression, and substance misuse can often be signs the person is having trouble coping. But it could also be psychosis.

Psychosis can be treated and a person can recover. For more information about psychosis, visit the resources section.

Getting help as early as possible is important. Check out the Psychosis Self-Care Resources page.

Current as of: March 15, 2016

Author: Youth and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

Go to Top

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

Include ImagesLarge Print