Psychosis can prevent people from functioning normally and caring for themselves. If the condition is left untreated, people can sometimes harm themselves or others.

• How well a person does depends on the cause of the psychosis. If the cause can be corrected, the outlook is often good, and treatment with antipsychotic medication may be brief.

• Some chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia, may need life-long treatment with antipsychotic medications to control symptoms.