Psychotic Disorders

What are Psychotic Disorders?

Psychotic disorders are a group of serious mental health conditions where a person loses touch with reality. This can involve hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t there), delusions (strongly held false beliefs), and disorganized thinking or behavior.

Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness by itself. It can appear in several different disorders and may occur once, occasionally, or as a long-term condition.

Common Symptoms

  • Hallucinations – hearing voices, seeing things, or feeling sensations others don’t experience.

  • Delusions – false beliefs, such as feeling watched, having special powers, or believing in unlikely conspiracies.

  • Disorganized Thinking – difficulty organizing thoughts or following conversations.

  • Disorganized or Abnormal Behavior – agitation, odd movements, or difficulty with daily tasks.

  • Negative Symptoms – reduced motivation, flat or blunted emotions, social withdrawal, or reduced speech.

Types of Psychotic Disorders

  • Schizophrenia – a chronic condition with ongoing symptoms of psychosis, often affecting thoughts, emotions, and functioning.

  • Schizoaffective Disorder – symptoms of schizophrenia combined with mood disorder features (depression or bipolar symptoms).

  • Brief Psychotic Disorder – a sudden, short episode of psychosis (often triggered by stress or trauma).

  • Delusional Disorder – persistent delusions without other major psychotic symptoms.

  • Substance- or Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder – psychosis caused by drugs, alcohol, or medication.

  • Psychotic Disorder Due to a Medical Condition – symptoms linked to neurological issues, infections, or other health conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Psychotic disorders are complex and usually arise from a mix of factors:

  • Biological: differences in brain chemistry, especially dopamine regulation.

  • Genetic: higher risk if a close family member has schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

  • Environmental: trauma, abuse, or highly stressful life events.

  • Substance Use: cannabis, hallucinogens, or stimulants may trigger or worsen psychosis.

  • Medical Conditions: brain injuries, neurological illnesses, or infections can sometimes cause psychosis.

Diagnosis

A mental health professional may use:

  • Clinical interviews and history-taking.

  • Psychological assessments to evaluate thinking, mood, and functioning.

  • Medical tests (blood work, imaging) to rule out other causes.

Diagnosis often requires symptoms lasting a certain duration and impacting daily life.

Treatment Options

Psychotic disorders are treatable, and many people improve with the right care.

  • Medication

    • Antipsychotic medicines are the main treatment for reducing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

  • Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) helps people challenge unhelpful thoughts and cope with distressing symptoms.

    • Family therapy and psychoeducation can improve support networks.

  • Supportive Approaches

    • Social skills training, occupational therapy, and peer support groups.

    • Lifestyle approaches: structured routines, stress management, and healthy sleep.

  • Early Intervention

    • Specialized early intervention programs for psychosis (often available through community mental health teams) can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Living With a Psychotic Disorder

  • With proper treatment, many people manage symptoms and live meaningful lives.

  • Recovery is not always about eliminating symptoms entirely, but learning coping strategies and building support systems.

  • Reducing stress, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and staying consistent with treatment are key.

Supporting Someone With a Psychotic Disorder

  • Offer reassurance without arguing against their beliefs.

  • Encourage professional help and attend appointments if they’re comfortable.

  • Provide structure and calmness in daily life.

  • Be patient – recovery can take time and setbacks are common.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know may be experiencing psychosis:

  • Reach out to a GP, psychiatrist, or mental health professional immediately.

  • In a crisis (e.g., severe paranoia, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts), seek emergency services or call a crisis hotline right away.

  • Early treatment greatly improves recovery chances.