What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
schizophrenia
Example
My cousin was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was in his early twenties. [schizophrenia: noun]
Example
She is undergoing treatment for schizophrenia and is responding well to medication. [schizophrenia: noun]
psychosis
Example
He was hospitalized due to a psychotic episode and received treatment for several weeks. [psychotic: adjective]
Example
The patient is experiencing symptoms of psychosis and requires immediate medical attention. [psychosis: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Psychosis is a more commonly used term than schizophrenia in everyday language, as it is a broader term that can refer to various mental states. However, in clinical settings, schizophrenia is a more specific and commonly diagnosed mental disorder.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between schizophrenia and psychosis?
Both schizophrenia and psychosis are formal terms used in medical and clinical settings. They are not typically used in informal or casual conversations.