Psychosis

Psychosis is the term used to describe a mental state of dysfunction in behavior and thought processes. In patients with psychoses, mental capacity is grossly distorted and thought is disorganized. These factors cause an inability to recognize reality or relate to others in a meaningful way. A medical cause is found in approximately 20% of patients with acute psychosis. Emergency medicine physicians must differentiate psychotic symptoms caused by general medical conditions from psychosis caused by a primary psychiatric disorder. A careful evaluation must be performed to identify the cause of the psychosis. Correction of reversible causes, sedation, and appropriate disposition are the keys to the successful management of these patients.