What is functional psychosis?

Functional psychosis is a term used in some areas of psychiatry to refer to a type of psychosis that is not caused by a known organic brain disorder or substance use. It is considered a functional disorder, meaning that the symptoms are thought to be primarily due to psychological or social factors, rather than physical or structural abnormalities in the brain.

Psychosis is a general term used to describe a mental state characterized by a loss of contact with reality. Symptoms of psychosis may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and impaired social functioning. In functional psychosis, these symptoms are not attributed to a specific medical condition or substance use, but rather to psychological factors such as stress, trauma, genetic predisposition, or certain personality traits.

It's important to note that the concept of functional psychosis is not universally accepted or used across all psychiatric frameworks. Some mental health professionals may prefer alternative terms, such as psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) or schizophrenia spectrum disorder, to describe cases where psychosis is present but the specific cause is not known.

The diagnosis and treatment of functional psychosis involve a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, including a thorough evaluation of the individual's symptoms, history, and potential contributing factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy tailored to the individual's needs.