Psychotic Disorders

Also called: Psychoses

Psychotic disorders are severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. People with psychoses lose touch with reality. Two of the main symptoms are delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are false beliefs, such as thinking that someone is plotting against you or that the TV is sending you secret messages. Hallucinations are false perceptions, such as hearing, seeing, or feeling something that is not there.

Schizophrenia is one type of psychotic disorder. People with bipolar disorder may also have psychotic symptoms. Other problems that can cause psychosis include alcohol and some drugs, brain tumors, brain infections, and stroke.

Treatment depends on the cause of the psychosis. It might involve drugs to control symptoms and talk therapy. Hospitalization is an option for serious cases where a person might be dangerous to himself or others.

Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders

The following features are indicative of Psychotic Disorders:
  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • disorganized speech
  • abnormal motor behavior
  • abnormal functioning
  • speaking in a monotone
  • not making eye contact
  • socially withdrawn
  • lack of ability to experience pleasure
  • trouble sleeping
  • irritability
  • depressed mood
  • lack of motivation
  • catatonia
  • thought disorders

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Common Causes of Psychotic Disorders

The following are the most common causes of Psychotic Disorders:
  • genetic factors
  • environmental factors
  • differences in brain chemistry

Other Causes of Psychotic Disorders

The following are the less common causes of Psychotic Disorders:
  • alcohol
  • cannabis use
  • methamphetamine

Risk Factors for Psychotic Disorders

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Psychotic Disorders:
  • family history
  • increased immune system activation
  • older age
  • pregnancy and birth complications
  • psychoactive or psychotropic drugs
  • stressful life situations
  • traumatic brain injury
  • alcohol use
  • previous mental illness

Prevention of Psychotic Disorders

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Psychotic Disorders. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • pay attention to warning signs
  • get routine medical care
  • sufficient sleep
  • healthy eating
  • regular physical activity
  • avoid alcohol

Occurrence of Psychotic Disorders

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Psychotic Disorders cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Psychotic Disorders most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 16-30 years

Common Gender

Psychotic Disorders can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Psychotic Disorders

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Psychotic Disorders:
  • Physical exam: To rule out physical problems that could cause symptoms
  • Tests and screenings: To rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs
  • Psychiatric evaluation: To observe appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and potential for violence or suicide
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5): To diagnose schizophrenia

Doctor for Diagnosis of Psychotic Disorders

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Psychotic Disorders:
  • Psychiatrist

Complications of Psychotic Disorders if untreated

Yes, Psychotic Disorders causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Psychotic Disorders is left untreated:
  • suicide attempts
  • thoughts of suicide
  • self injury
  • anxiety disorders
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • depression
  • alcohol abuse
  • inability to work
  • legal and financial problems
  • social isolation
  • aggressive behavior

Procedures for Treatment of Psychotic Disorders

The following procedures are used to treat Psychotic Disorders:
  • Psychotherapy: To normalize thought patterns, cope with stress and identify early warning signs of relapse
  • Electroconvulsive therapy: To treat depressed schizophrenic patients

Self-care for Psychotic Disorders

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Psychotic Disorders:
  • Avoid alcohol and drug use: Helps treating mental illness
  • Regular exercise: Helps to manage symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety
  • Keep positive attitude: Helps improving health

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Psychotic Disorders

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Psychotic Disorders:
  • Practicing yoga: Helps reducing stress
  • Practicing meditation: Helps reducing stress
  • Practicing Tai chi therapy: Helps reducing stress

Patient Support for Treatment of Psychotic Disorders

The following actions may help Psychotic Disorders patients:
  • Education: Education about the disorder can help motivate the person with the disease to stick to the treatment plan
  • Join a support group: Help patients reach out to others facing similar challenges

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Psychotic Disorders.
Mental Disorders
Schizophrenia

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