Types of Psychotic Disorders

Types of Psychotic Disorders

The different types of psychotic disorders include:

• Schizophrenia: characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts and speech, unusual behavior, and withdrawal.
• Schizoaffective disorder: defined as having symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder (such as depression or bipolar disorder).
• Schizophreniform disorder: persons with schizophreniform disorder present with symptoms of schizophrenia that last longer than one month and for less than six months.
• Delusional disorder: those with delusional disorder have false beliefs involving real-life situations.
• Brief psychotic disorder: this condition is defined by an episode of psychotic behavior that lasts for less than one month.
• Substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder: certain drugs, including not only illicit drugs such as hallucinogens and stimulants but also prescribed medications such as steroids and antiepileptic drugs, can trigger short-term or long-term symptoms of psychosis.
• Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition: some medical conditions can cause hallucinations and/or delusions.
• Shared psychotic disorder: this is a rare disorder in which two or more people in a close relationship share a specific delusion.

Psychotic Disorder Symptoms

Psychotic disorders are characterized by a loss of touch with reality characterized by altered thinking, perceptions, and behavior. Often, people who have psychotic disorders also manifest behavioral symptoms. Symptoms of psychotic disorders are often characterized as positive or negative.

Positive symptoms refer to additional behaviors that arise after an individual develops the condition, such as:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts and speech

Negative symptoms represent normal behaviors that are absent or reduced, such as:

• Withdrawal from others
• Diminished emotional expression

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are false sensory experiences. The most common are visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real) or auditory hallucinations (hearing voices that aren’t real). Other false sensations, such as smell, taste, or touch, are less common with psychotic disorders, but they can occur.

Living with a Psychotic Disorder

Living with a psychotic disorder can be challenging. You might have fluctuations in your symptoms, and you can experience side effects from your medications. It can be difficult for you to keep up with employment, and your relationships and social life can be affected as well. The social stigma can affect your life and the lives of your family members.

Counseling/Therapy

Managing your psychotic illness doesn’t have to stop with controlling the symptoms. You might have concerns or apprehensions about your condition. Speaking with a professional therapist or with your psychiatrist about any feelings you have about your condition can help.

Join a Support Group

Sometimes, interacting with others who are going through the same things you are going through can help you feel less alone. Some support groups are moderated by a professional, and you might find a professionally moderated group to be a good type of group for you. Give yourself time to find a group that makes you feel comfortable.

Family/Community

How much you want to share about your condition is up to you. However, since psychotic illnesses are characterized by altered perceptions of reality, it would be beneficial if you could talk about your condition with one or more people whom you trust. They can be resources for help if your symptoms worsen or if you need urgent medical attention.

Caregiver Support

Psychiatric disorders affect the quality of life of the people who are experiencing them, as well as the lives of family, friends, and loved ones. If someone who is a part of your life is showing the symptoms of a psychotic disorder or has been diagnosed with a psychotic illness, the condition can cause distress for you as well.

Outlook for Psychotic Disorders

The prognosis for psychotic disorders can vary. It largely depends on the underlying cause and whether someone is receiving appropriate treatment. Some mental illnesses like schizophrenia can be difficult to treat and may often present with chronic symptoms. That said, you can have an emotionally and physically healthy life if you are living with a psychotic disorder. This involves maintaining consistent psychiatric and medical care. A community support structure from family, friends, and a healthcare team can help optimize the quality of life for a person who is living with a psychotic illness.

Summary

Psychotic disorders are mental health disorders in which a person loses touch with reality. People with these types of disorders may experience symptoms like delusions or hallucinations. Treatment varies depending on the cause, but it often includes a combination of prescription medication and counseling. Because insight may be impaired in psychotic illness, it can be difficult to know when symptoms are recurring or when medication adjustments are needed. Therefore, having a routine for taking medications and going to medical appointments can help with this process.