What does psychosis typically involve?

Psychosis typically involves a loss of contact with reality. This can manifest as hallucinations, where individuals may hear, see, or feel things that aren't present, or delusions, which are strong beliefs in things that are not based in reality. Such a disconnection from the tangible world significantly alters one's perception and functioning, leading to difficulties in communicating or interacting in ways that are considered typical or normal.

While general distress, impaired social interaction, and substance withdrawal symptoms can be associated with various mental health conditions or experiences, they do not specifically define psychosis. Each of those aspects can occur in a range of psychological or physiological issues, but they are not defining characteristics of psychosis itself. The hallmark feature of psychosis is indeed the alteration in an individual's grasp of reality, making loss of contact with reality the most accurate description of what psychosis typically involves.