Psychosis and schizophrenia are related but distinct mental health conditions, both involving distorted thoughts, perceptions, and a disrupted sense of reality.

Psychosis refers to a group of symptoms that affect how a person thinks, perceives, and understands the world around them. Schizophrenia is a specific mental disorder that can include psychosis as one of its core features, but it is not the only condition that can cause psychosis.

Both psychosis and schizophrenia are relatively rare, and estimating their true prevalence can be difficult due to the stigma that discourages some individuals from seeking help. Among 100,000 people, it's estimated that around 15 to 100 may experience psychosis, and about 2 to 7 may be diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Symptoms of Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia

Common symptoms of psychosis include:

  • Delusions

  • Hallucinations

  • Incoherent or disorganized speech

  • Inappropriate behavior for the social context

People with schizophrenia may experience all of these symptoms. In addition, they often show further cognitive and social challenges, such as:

  • Difficulty with motivation or everyday functioning

  • Reduced emotional expression

  • Less enjoyment in daily activities

  • Social withdrawal

  • Problems with attention, concentration, or memory

 Symptoms of Psychosis  Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Delusions Delusions
Hallucinations Hallucinations
Incoherent speech or thought patterns Incoherent speech or thought patterns
Inappropriate behavior Inappropriate behavior
  Trouble with daily motivation or functioning
  Reduced emotional expression
  Decreased enjoyment in daily activities
  Social withdrawal
  Challenges with attention, concentration, or memory

 

Differences Between Psychosis and Schizophrenia

While psychosis and schizophrenia share similarities, they differ in aspects such as average age of onset, underlying causes, and the risk of suicidal behavior.

Age of Onset

Psychosis and schizophrenia typically begin in early adulthood, but symptoms can appear earlier or later depending on the individual.

In schizophrenia, symptoms in men often begin in their late teens to early twenties, while in women, they usually emerge in the twenties to early thirties.

Psychosis also frequently develops in the late teens or early twenties, but it can occur at any age. Children can experience psychotic episodes, and older adults may develop psychosis related to neurological conditions, even if they have no prior history of mental illness.

Causes and Risk Factors

Schizophrenia is associated with several contributing factors, such as:

  • Genetic vulnerability

  • Prenatal exposure to viruses or poor nutrition

  • Socioeconomic challenges

  • High levels of stress

  • Differences in brain structure or chemistry

Psychosis, on the other hand, may result from schizophrenia, but it can also be triggered by various other factors, including:

  • Other mental health conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder)

  • Cognitive decline or neurological conditions related to aging

  • Lack of sleep

  • Side effects of certain medications

  • Alcohol or drug use

Suicide Risk

Both psychosis and schizophrenia are linked to increased suicide risk, but the likelihood may differ. Research suggests that about 20% of individuals with schizophrenia attempt suicide, which is higher than the estimated rate of 12–13% among people experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

Similarities Between Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Because they are closely related, psychosis and schizophrenia share a number of common features.

Early Warning Signs

Both conditions may present early warning signs before more severe symptoms appear. Common early signs include:

  • Paranoia or suspicion

  • Difficulty thinking clearly or distinguishing reality

  • Social withdrawal

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Decline in personal hygiene

  • Drop in work or school performance

  • Emotional instability

  • Loss of motivation

  • Heightened anxiety

  • Impaired daily functioning

Schizophrenia may also be preceded by difficulties in social interaction, school, or work motivation.

Rare Cases of Violent Behavior

Though psychosis and schizophrenia are sometimes associated with violent or self-harming behavior, this is not the norm—especially for individuals receiving treatment.

Despite portrayals in the media, most people with schizophrenia are not violent. In fact, they are often more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Factors such as lack of treatment and substance use can increase the risk of harmful behavior.

Similarly, someone experiencing a psychotic episode may act out, but this behavior usually diminishes with proper treatment.

Challenges in Treatment

Treating psychosis or schizophrenia can be difficult, primarily because the symptoms themselves may interfere with a person’s willingness or ability to seek help. Feelings of paranoia or mistrust are common, making it hard for individuals to accept treatment. Support from family and friends is crucial in encouraging treatment adherence and recovery.

Can You Have Both Psychosis and Schizophrenia?

Yes, you can experience both. Schizophrenia includes psychosis as one of its defining features. However, not all psychosis is due to schizophrenia—other medical or mental health conditions can also lead to psychotic episodes.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone close to you is experiencing signs of psychosis or schizophrenia, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist. Your primary care doctor can help connect you with the right specialist.

Treatment may involve medication, therapy, or hospitalization in severe cases. Early diagnosis and intervention lead to better outcomes, so seeking help promptly is essential.

A Quick Review

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that often involves psychosis. Psychosis itself refers to a disconnection from reality, marked by hallucinations or delusions.

It’s possible to have psychosis without having schizophrenia, as other health issues can also trigger it. Regardless of the underlying cause, early and effective treatment is crucial for both conditions.