Psychosis and schizophrenia

Psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.

• ParanoiaParanoia is the persistent, unfounded or exaggerated belief that other people are trying to harm, deceive, exploit or watch you. It ranges from mild, everyday suspicious thoughts to intense, fixed beliefs known as persecutory delusions. Feeling paranoid is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself, and it can be linked to stress, anxiety, sleep loss, substance use or mental health conditions. Help is available.
• PsychosisPsychosis is a state in which a person loses some contact with reality, often experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things others do not) or delusions (strongly held beliefs that are not based in reality). A psychotic episode can be frightening for the person and those around them, but psychosis is treatable, and early help greatly improves recovery.
• Schizoaffective disorderSchizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, with a mood disorder, either depression or bipolar-type mania. Psychotic symptoms also occur at times without mood symptoms. It's a long-term condition, but with treatment and support many people manage symptoms and live meaningful lives.
• SchizophreniaSchizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, perceives reality and relates to others. It can involve hallucinations such as hearing voices, delusions, disorganized thinking and reduced motivation. Schizophrenia is treatable, and with early, consistent care, many people manage symptoms and live meaningful lives.