To withdraw – a viscous circle in severe mental illness. The aim of this study has been to analyse and describe circumstances behind and experiences of severely mentally ill persons’ withdrawal. Six persons, two women and four men, aged 31–57, with experiences of withdrawal due to psychosis, were interviewed. Manifest and latent meanings were described. Factors that led to withdrawals were insufficient medication, alcohol and sleeplessness. The meaning of withdrawal was characterized by a viscous circle. The process starts with the necessesity to avoid external and internal stressors. It continues with changed reality and brooding. Senses of being an outsider are enlarged and the viscous circle is completed with further withdrawal. Psychiatric care is reflected upon as an opportunity for the caregivers to step in early and break up the viscous circle.