Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by a break from reality, such as experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking or speech. People with psychotic disorders may have difficulty differentiating between what is real and what is not, and their thoughts and behaviors may be influenced by their delusions or hallucinations.
Some of the most common types of psychotic disorders include:
- Schizophrenia: A chronic and severe mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and speech, and difficulty with motivation and emotions.
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A short-term, sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, often triggered by a stressful event.
- Delusional Disorder: A mental health condition characterized by persistent and non-bizarre delusions, or false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that combines symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder: A condition in which psychotic symptoms are caused by the use or withdrawal of drugs or alcohol.
Psychotic disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, such as antipsychotics, and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy. Support from loved ones and care providers can also be helpful for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.