Psychoses

Psychosis
Psychotic disorders

Nature

Many so-called psychotics are likely to become incapacitated at one moment or another of their lives. This condition, which provokes immense human suffering, may lead to permanent reclusion in mental hospitals and at worst may induce criminal acts. Psychosis is a symptomatology in which the individual fails to discriminate between stimuli and information received from the external world and stimuli arising within himself. An imaginary process of reorganization of the world becomes the sole way to deal with conflict, accentuating the incapacity for corrective learning. This condition generates disorders of perception, of thinking, of consciousness, of affectivity and mood and of activity. Psychoses are of two types, based on the underlying physical disease: organic psychoses including brain tumours, senile dementia, and general panesis; and functional psychoses including schizophrenia, manic-depressive psychosis, and affective psychosis.

Background

Psychoses have been recognized as a significant global health concern since the late 19th century, when advances in psychiatry distinguished them from other mental disorders. Their prevalence and impact became increasingly apparent through epidemiological studies in the 20th century, revealing substantial social and economic burdens worldwide. International initiatives, such as the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme, have since highlighted disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and stigma, underscoring psychoses as a persistent and complex international challenge.

Incidence

Psychosis accounts for 5 to 15% of the total admissions to mental hospitals; approximately half of these are people diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia, the major so-called functional psychosis. The majority of the remaining cases are due to a variety of organic psychoses, predominantly aged people suffering from senile or arteriosclerotic psychoses.

Claim

Psychoses represent a profoundly urgent and often overlooked crisis in mental health. The devastating impact on individuals, families, and society is undeniable—leading to suffering, disability, and even premature death. Ignoring psychoses perpetuates stigma and prevents access to life-changing treatment. We must prioritize research, early intervention, and support for those affected. Failing to address psychoses is not just negligent; it is a grave injustice to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Counter-claim

It is misguided to consider psychoses an important problem. The prevalence is low compared to other health issues, and its impact is often exaggerated. Resources would be better spent on more common conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The attention given to psychoses is disproportionate and diverts focus from real, pressing public health concerns. In reality, psychoses do not warrant the level of concern or funding they currently receive.