“Psychosis” and “schizophrenia” are two terms that you may have heard used together. While these terms are related, they describe two unique conditions.

Psychosis is a condition in which a person loses touch with reality. It’s one of several symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental health disorder. But people who do not have schizophrenia can also experience psychosis.

Keep reading to learn more about both psychosis and schizophrenia, how they’re connected, and how each condition is treated.

Psychosis is a group of symptoms that show a loss of touch with reality. It may occur as part of a variety of mental health conditions.

Psychosis has many possible causes, including:

  • mental health conditions
  • substance use
  • other medical conditions

Schizophrenia is one of several psychotic disorders. These are mental health conditions that include periods of psychosis. Psychosis involves symptoms such as:

  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • disorganized thinking
  • difficulties with speech and movement
  • changes in emotional response, like flat affect

Psychosis and any or all of the above symptoms may occur in schizoaffective disorder or brief psychotic disorder.

Healthcare professionals diagnose schizophrenia when a person has experienced two or more of the five symptoms listed above for at least a month. Schizophrenia also often involves a decline in functioning, whether in work, relationships, or self-care.

When a person experiences psychosis for a significant period of time and is also experiencing functional impairment, schizophrenia may be the resulting diagnosis.

Psychosis is a group of symptoms that indicate a loss of touch with reality. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that there are about 100,000 new cases of psychosis in the United States each year.

The two most common symptoms of psychosis are as follows, although these symptoms also occur in schizophrenia:

  • Hallucinations: During hallucinations, someone hears, sees, or feels things that are not happening outside of their mind. For example, someone experiencing psychosis may hear voices when no one else is around.
  • Delusions: Delusions are intense, false beliefs that aren’t shared by others. For example, a person experiencing psychosis may believe that others are conspiring to harm them when all available evidence points to the contrary.

When someone experiences an individual instance of psychosis, healthcare professionals may say the person is having a psychotic episode. Several changes in behavior can occur before a psychotic episode happens. Examples include:

  • difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
  • a noticeable decrease in performance at work or school
  • increased suspicion or uneasiness
  • withdrawal from others
  • a decline in personal hygiene
  • trouble distinguishing between reality and fantasy

Psychosis has several possible causes, including:

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition. Specifically, it’s one of several psychotic disorders. The NIMH estimates that the prevalence of schizophrenia and related disorders in the United States is between 0.25% and 0.64%.

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be divided into three categories:

  • Positive symptoms: These include symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.
  • Negative symptoms: Examples of negative symptoms of schizophrenia include:
    • social withdrawal or discomfort around others
    • lack of speech, restricted behaviors, or isolation
  • Cognitive symptoms: People with schizophrenia can have difficulty with mental processes such as concentration, memory, and attention.

Schizophrenia is a complex condition, and the exact cause is unknown. Experts believe that irregularities with various neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, are involved. Genetics and various environmental factors also likely play a role.

Someone who has schizophrenia may experience periods of psychosis. During these periods, they may have hallucinations and delusions. The psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia are also called positive symptoms.

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat acute psychotic episodes in people with schizophrenia. These medications can also be used as maintenance medications to help prevent symptoms from coming back.

In some cases, healthcare professionals may diagnose schizophrenia after someone experiences a psychotic episode. However, schizophrenia has some additional symptoms and specific diagnostic criteria.

A person can experience psychosis without having schizophrenia or another mental health disorder. Psychosis has many possible causes, such as substance use, medical conditions, and certain medications.

Treatment is most effective when psychosis is identified and treated early. The treatment of psychosis typically includes a combination of the following methods:

  • Medications: Antipsychotic medications can help reduce the symptoms of psychosis. These medications can be given as either a pill or an injection.
  • Therapy: Therapy for psychosis often consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided by a mental health professional. A person can take part in therapy either individually or in a group setting. CBT in this case is specifically tailored to address symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia.
  • Family support: Family members are a key part of treating psychosis. It’s important for them to learn more about psychosis and how to interact effectively and empathetically with their loved one.
  • Social support: Someone experiencing psychosis may benefit from social skills training or help with returning to work or school.

Because a variety of other underlying conditions can cause psychosis, working to manage those conditions can also help ease symptoms.

Schizophrenia is a chronic (long-term) condition that does not currently have a cure, but treatment can help people manage the symptoms and build coping skills for daily life and functioning. Treatment can involve a combination of the following methods:

  • Medications: Antipsychotic medications can help address the psychotic (positive) symptoms of schizophrenia. Doctors might first prescribe medications to treat acute psychosis, followed by maintenance medications to help prevent symptoms from returning.
  • Therapy: Therapy, which can include CBT, is an important part of schizophrenia treatment. A mental health professional who has experience working with people with schizophrenia can help people develop coping strategies and learn how to recognize signs of a recurrence.
  • Family support: It’s important that family members learn about schizophrenia and how to support their loved one. It’s also vital that they make sure the person is taking any necessary medication and note any signs of recurrence.
  • Social support: Like people with psychosis, those with schizophrenia can benefit from social support services. These services can help them return to school or work, improve their social skills, and cope with stress and everyday challenges.

Schizophrenia is associated with several comorbid conditions (conditions that can occur at the same time), including:

Comorbid conditions can have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of people with schizophrenia. For this reason, managing these conditions is another important aspect of schizophrenia treatment.

Psychosis is a condition in which someone loses touch with reality. Its two main symptoms are hallucinations and delusions. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that includes periods of psychosis.

Treatment options for psychosis and schizophrenia are generally similar. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outlook, so be sure to seek medical attention if you or a loved one has signs of psychosis or schizophrenia.