psychotic

Definition: A general term referring to any significant mental disorder that has a physical or emotional source; characterized by a loss of contact with reality.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Psychosis is a severe mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality. Neurosis is a similar condition but milder--a neurotic person knows he or she is ill, whereas a psychotic person usually does not realize that he or she cannot think, perceive, or judge clearly. Psychosis is what is commonly thought of as "madness" or "crazy" behavior.