The psychosis that is characterized by distortions of perception, emotions, and thoughts and that often includes bizarre behavior is

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Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of either positive manifestations (an excess or distortion of normal functions) or negative manifestations (a loss of normal functions). Positive symptoms include delusions (fixed, False beliefs), hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. Negative symptoms are affective flattening, alogia, and avolition.
Schizophrenia is very disabling for the affected individual. In most cases, a person with schizophrenia will have difficulty finishing their education, maintaining employment, and participating in relationships. Many experience trouble with activities of daily living. Schizophrenia is rarely seen in children. Most symptoms begin to manifest in the mid to late 20s. Careful consideration must go into the diagnosis of schizophrenia because some cultures and religions may regard some symptoms as normal. The onset of schizophrenia is usually insidious during adolescence or young adulthood.
Prodromal signs, such as withdrawal, odd behavior, disheveled appearance, and loss of interest in school or work may be noted. The patient may report feeling confused, isolated, anxious, and afraid. In the active phase of schizophrenia, a vast range of severe behavioral and perceptual manifestations is present, with notable social and occupational dysfunction.
One important feature is disorganized thinking, usually reflected by the patient's speech and by disturbances in language and communication. For example, the patient may switch from one topic to another, speak incoherently, give an unrelated answer to a question, or experience difficulty in speaking at all.
Distortions in perception called hallucinations are a common characteristic of schizophrenia. Hallucinations may be auditory, visual, olfactory, or sensory. The patient with auditory hallucinations acknowledges hearing voices that may be threatening, instructive, or conversational. Delusions, which are erroneous beliefs, represent exaggerations or distortions of perceptions or experiences. In persecutory delusion, for instance, people may believe that they are being mistreated, deceived, or stalked. More bizarre delusions may include belief that one's thoughts are controlled by an "alien."
Inappropriate affect (feeling) is another identifying characteristic of schizophrenia. Lack of emotional expression (flat affect) or unreasonable outbursts of emotions may be noted. Eye contact is minimal.
Behavior may be bizarre or grossly disorganized, unpredictable, agitated, or violent. The patient may assume rigid posturing (catatonic posturing), dress in an odd manner, and neglect self-care. Any of these behaviors can stem from the patient's delusional thinking. As the symptoms and signs persist, the patient's ability to function in interpersonal, social, or occupational relationships deteriorates.

The Psychosis That Is Characterized by Distortions of Perception, Emotions