What does the term "psychosis" refer to in mental health?

The term "psychosis" specifically refers to a disconnection from reality, which is characterized by symptoms such as delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present). Individuals experiencing psychosis may not be able to distinguish what is real from what is not, which can significantly impair their ability to function in daily life. This condition can occur in various mental health disorders, including schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and severe mood disorders, and necessitates appropriate assessment and treatment.

The other options represent different concepts in mental health. A state of deep relaxation and calm typically refers to techniques aimed at reducing anxiety or stress, and it does not convey the disordered thinking associated with psychosis. A fear of being judged is associated more with anxiety disorders and social anxiety, rather than the detachment from reality emblematic of psychosis. Lastly, a personality disorder is classified as a type of mental illness characterized by enduring patterns of behavior and inner experiences that differ greatly from what is accepted in the individual's culture, but it does not inherently involve a disconnection from reality as psychosis does. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "a disconnection from reality" is the correct identification of psychosis in the realm of mental health.