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Causes of psychosis

Experiences of psychosis can be caused by a number of things. It can be different for everyone. 

It's an illness that can be treated just like any other. I don't choose or want to be psychotic any more than people choose or want any other types of ill health.

Physical illness or injury

You may see or hear things that others don't if you have some medical conditions. These include some types of head injuries, strokes or epilepsy. But people can experience psychosis with other types of physical illnesses too.

If you have Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Huntington's, you may also experience hallucinations or delusions.

Experiencing abuse or trauma

If you've experienced abuse or a traumatic event, you're more likely to experience psychosis.

This may include hearing the voice of someone who abused you. You may hear them being unkind or threatening, or telling you to harm yourself. Or the voices may share similar traits with someone who has abused you. This can be really distressing.

Experiencing racism

Research suggests that experiencing racism can contribute to experiencing psychosis. But it's important to remember that being a particular race doesn't cause psychosis. It's the racism you encounter in the world that may contribute to these experiences.

We have more information about racism and mental health.

Recreational drugs

Researchers aren't sure whether using recreational drugs causes psychosis directly. But you may be more likely to hear or see things if you regularly take certain recreational drugs, like cannabis and LSD.

If you've already experienced psychosis, using recreational drugs can make the symptoms worse. This is particularly if you take high-potency cannabis, also known as skunk.

Alcohol and smoking

Drinking alcohol and smoking may also stop medication from effectively treating your symptoms. This may make it more likely that you'll experience psychosis again.

You can also experience psychosis if you stop drinking alcohol or taking drugs after using them for a long time.

Prescribed medication

You might experience psychosis as a side effect of some prescribed medication. This includes some psychiatric drugs. Or you might experience it while coming off psychiatric drugs.

Bereavement

If you've recently been bereaved, you may experience hallucinations. For example, you might be able to hear the person who's died talking to you. You may also feel that they're with you even though you can't see them.

Spiritual experiences

Some people experience voices or visions as part of a spiritual experience.

This may be a positive experience for you. It may make you feel special or important and help you make sense of your life.

It could also be a negative experience – for example, you may feel that you're possessed by an evil spirit.

Family links

You're more likely to develop psychosis if you have a parent or sibling who has experienced psychosis. Researchers aren't sure why this happens.

Childbirth

Some new parents experience postpartum psychosis within a few weeks after giving birth.

You may be more likely to develop it if you have a family history of postpartum psychosis or bipolar disorder. Or if you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia before your baby is born.

Severe stress

Experiencing periods of chronic stress can sometimes lead to psychosis.

Lack of sleep or food

You may experience hallucinations if you have a severe lack of sleep. Our page on sleep problems has more information.

You could also experience hallucinations if you're very hungry, have low blood sugar or if you're not getting enough food. Visit our page on food and mental health for more information.

Published: January 2025

Next review planned: January 2028

References and bibliography available on request.

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