{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmni7a5oi0004cyokyn3k8zqs","slug":"understanding-psychosis-voices-causes-and-recovery-20260403","title":"Understanding Psychosis: Voices, Causes, and Recovery","level":"MEDIUM","publishedAt":"2026-04-03T01:03:46.039Z"},"topic":{"slug":"understanding-psychosis-voices-causes-and-recovery-20260403","category":"health"},"article":{"paragraphs":["Psychosis is a condition that changes how a person thinks and feels, and it often includes hallucinations and delusions. People may hear voices that comment on actions or tell them to do things, and they may hold beliefs that others find clearly false. Research has shown a link between heavy cannabis use and a higher risk of psychosis, and sleep loss or other drugs can also trigger symptoms. Although psychosis can be frightening, many people recover when they get timely care.","Treatment is usually a combination of antipsychotic medicine and talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp). Family support and peer groups are often used while early intervention services aim to reduce long-term harm. However, worldwide many people do not receive specialist care, and services are being expanded in some countries. Therefore, recognizing early signs and seeking help may improve outcomes; furthermore, clinicians will assess medical causes before deciding a treatment plan."],"wordCount":155,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"hallucination","example":"A hallucination might be hearing a voice when no one is speaking.","phonetic":"/həˌluːsɪˈneɪʃən/","definition":"A sensory experience that seems real but comes from the mind."},{"word":"delusion","example":"A delusion can make a person certain of something that is not true.","phonetic":"/dɪˈluːʒən/","definition":"A belief that is strongly held despite clear evidence it is wrong."},{"word":"antipsychotic","example":"Antipsychotic medication can help to lower hallucinations.","phonetic":"/æn.tiˈsaɪkɒtɪk/","definition":"A medicine used to reduce psychotic symptoms."},{"word":"recovery","example":"With treatment and support, recovery is possible.","phonetic":"/rɪˈkʌvəri/","definition":"The process of getting back to better health and daily life."}],"quiz":[{"answer":"hallucinations and delusions.","question":"What two types of symptoms does psychosis often include?"},{"answer":"heavy cannabis use","question":"What substance is linked to a higher risk of psychosis?"},{"answer":"cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp)","question":"Name one therapy mentioned for psychosis."}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you believe that substance use can affect mental health? Why or why not?"},{"question":"Have you ever supported a friend who was very unwell? What did you do?"},{"question":"What do you think is useful in a therapy session for a serious problem?"},{"question":"Would you join a peer support group if a friend needed it? Why?"}]}