What are typical disturbances associated with psychosis?

Psychosis is characterized by significant alterations in an individual's perception of reality, and the most prominent disturbances associated with it are delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are firmly held beliefs that are not based in reality; for instance, a person might believe they are being persecuted or controlled by others. Hallucinations, on the other hand, involve sensory experiences that appear real but are products of the mind, such as hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist.

These disturbances indicate a severe disruption in the cognitive processes and can lead to substantial distress for the individual experiencing them. Because delusions and hallucinations directly affect how a person interprets the world around them, they are central features of psychotic disorders, making this choice the most accurate. Other disturbances, such as compulsive behavior or irritability, may occur but are not core characteristics of psychosis itself.