What is Psychosis Copy

Psychosis is a condition characterized by loss of contact with reality and may involve severe disturbances in perception, cognition, behaviour and emotions. It affects approximately 3% of the population with onset usually occurring in late adolescence or early adulthood.

The most common diagnoses associated with psychosis are schizophrenia (approximately 1% of the population), schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression with psychotic features.

The identification of symptoms can be a complex process given that onset is common during the phase of late adolescence which is one of great emotional, physical and social change. The stigma associated with mental illness continues to inhibit the identification of young people in the earlier stages of the illness.

And stigma has impacts on many other aspects of a person’s life during recovery from psychosis. It can negatively affect relationships, lower self esteem and sometimes result in direct discrimination.

Given how significant the impact of stigma can be for a person with psychosis, please take some time now to view the following the video where three young people in the EPI Program discuss their perceptions on stigma.