Psychotic

Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. They make it hard for someone to think clearly, make good judgments, respond emotionally, communicate effectively, understand reality, and behave appropriately. When symptoms are severe, people with psychotic disorders have trouble staying in touch with reality and often are unable to handle daily life. But even severe psychotic disorders usually can be treated.

Types

There are different types of psychotic disorders, including:

• Schizophrenia: People with this illness have changes in behavior and other symptoms -- such as delusions and hallucinations -- that last longer than 6 months. It usually affects them at work or school, as well as their relationships.
• Schizoaffective disorder: People have symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
• Schizophreniform disorder: This includes symptoms of schizophrenia, but the symptoms last for a shorter time: between 1 and 6 months.
• Brief psychotic disorder: People with this illness have a sudden, short period of psychotic behavior, often in response to a very stressful event, such as a death in the family. Recovery is often quick -- usually less than a month.
• Delusional disorder: The key symptom is having a delusion (a false, fixed belief) involving real-life situations that could be true but aren’t, such as being followed, being plotted against, or having a disease. The delusion lasts for at least 1 month.
• Shared psychotic disorder (also known as folie à deux): This illness happens when one person in a relationship has a delusion and the other person in the relationship adopts it, too.
• Substance-induced psychotic disorder: This condition is caused by the use of or withdrawal from drugs, such as hallucinogens and crack cocaine, that cause hallucinations, delusions, or confused speech.
• Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition: Hallucinations, delusions, or other symptoms may happen because of another illness that affects brain function, such as a brain tumor or stroke.

Symptoms

People with psychotic disorders hear, see, and believe things that aren’t real or true. They may also show signs of disorganized thinking, confused speech, and muddled or abnormal motor behavior. An individual with psychosis will often neglect basic personal hygiene, need help looking after themselves, and may even lose the ability to react emotionally.

Causes

Psychotic disorders can be triggered by stress, drug or alcohol use, injury, or illness. They can also appear on their own. The exact cause of psychotic disorders is not known, but they are most likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While they can occur at any age, psychotic disorders most often emerge in adolescence or early adulthood.

Treatment

Treatment for psychotic disorders often involves a combination of medication and therapy. It may also involve inpatient hospitalization. Medications are often used to help control the symptoms of psychotic disorders. Therapy can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Psychotic Resources
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