What is the primary feature of psychosis?

The primary feature of psychosis is a disruption in an individual's thoughts, perceptions, or consciousness. This encompasses a wide range of experiences, including delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (perceptual experiences without external stimuli), and disorganized thinking. Individuals experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not, which significantly affects their ability to function in daily life.

In contrast, lapses in memory and attention can occur in various mental health conditions but are not defining characteristics of psychosis itself. An increase in social interactions is generally not associated with psychosis, as individuals experiencing it may actually withdraw from social situations due to their altered perceptions or distressing experiences. A decrease in physical activity might occur in some cases due to the effects of psychosis or co-occurring conditions, but it is not a primary feature of psychotic disorders.