How is psychosis a problem?

Steve, a university student, begins smelling an intense obnoxious odor emanating from his own body. Despite frequent showers and application of deodorants, the smell persists. Embarrassed, he stops going to classes and is forced to drop out of school.

Marion works in a flower shop to support herself while taking art school classes. She has recently received a raise in pay but over hears, on repeated occasions, her supervisor telling other employees that she is going to be fired. Confused and upset, Marion has difficult sleeping and begins to call in sick to work.

Barry, a young businessman, hears God saying “you can not be harmed, I will protect you”. Not sure if he can believe what God has said, Barry drives his car off a highway at high speed. The car rolls over three times and sustains serious damage. Barry is not hurt.

James becomes convinced over a period of nearly a year that a terrorist organization is stalking him. One day on the street he hears a passerby say “it’s time to grab him”. Convinced that the terrorist are about to abduct and torture him he decides to take control of his fate. He goes to a nearby bridge and jumps. Landing on rocks below, James is paralyzed from the waist down.

Shelia believes that her thoughts cause major world events. On the morning of September 11, 2001 she turns on the TV. Seeing the collapse of the twin towers she is overwhelmed with guilt. Going to the garage, Shelia finds a rope and hangs herself from a rafter.

Note: These five vignettes are based on actual experiences but have been somewhat altered to protect confidentiality.