Psychotic and Schizophrenia Disorder Care

What are Psychotic Disorders?

Psychotic disorders are serious mental health conditions. People with these disorders have abnormal thoughts and find it difficult to tell what’s real from what isn’t. Psychotic disorders are rare, affecting just 1% of the population and often occurring in the late teens to early 30s. Men and women are equally affected.

Psychotic disorders cause odd behaviors, chaotic speech and incoherent thoughts. People with these symptoms are often called schizophrenic, but a doctor should be consulted for a medical diagnosis. If physical reasons for abnormal behaviors are ruled out, a psychiatrist should be consulted.

Types of Psychotic Disorders

The most common psychotic disorder is schizophrenia. This illness causes behavior changes, delusions and hallucinations that last longer than six months and affect social interaction, school and work. Additional types of psychotic disorders include:

Psychotic Disorders & Schizophrenia Causes

While the exact cause of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, is unknown, researchers believe several a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors play a role.

Signs & Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders

People with psychotic disorders can experience hallucinations – they may see, hear, feel, taste or smell things that aren’t there. They can also experience delusions, which are unshakable beliefs in false or inaccurate ideas that conflict with reality. These experiences are very real to people with these disorders.

Signs of Schizophrenia

Symptoms of schizophrenia are considered either positive or negative – and most people with the illness experience both. Negative symptoms are normal feelings and abilities that schizophrenia takes away, such as feeling motivated or being interested in activities. Positive symptoms are easier to treat than negative ones, which tend to remain longer.

People with schizophrenia have at least two of these symptoms for six months or more. One of the two symptoms must include hallucinations, delusions or confused speech. Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia include:

Schizophrenia Triggers

Schizophrenia is an unpredictable illness with several triggers. In people at risk for developing schizophrenia, it can be triggered by using substances like alcohol or cocaine, traumatic events like being abused, and major life change like starting college or the death of a loved one. Getting help as soon as symptoms arise is important for children and adults alike. Intervening early can make recovery and symptom relief easier.