PSYCHOTIC DISORDER

What Is a Psychotic Disorder?

      Psychotic disorder are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. They make it hard for someone to think clearly, make good judgments, respond emotionally, communicate effectively, understand reality, and behave appropriately.

When symptoms are severe, people with psychotic disorders have trouble staying in touch with reality and often are unable to handle daily life. But even severe psychotic disorders usually can be treated.

Types

HP are different types of psychotic disorders, including:

Schizofernia : People with this illness have changes in behavior and other symptoms -- such as delusions and hallucinations that last longer than 6 months. It usually affects them at work or school, as well as their relationships.

Schizoaffective disorder: People have symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder,

Brief psychotic disorder: People with this illness have a sudden, short period of psychotic behavior, often in response to a very stressful event, such as a death in the family. Recovery is often quick -- usually less than a month.

Symptoms

The main ones are hallucinations, delusions, and disordered forms of thinking.

Hallucinations means seeing, hearing, or feeling things that don’t exist. For instance, someone might see things that aren't there, hear voices, smell odors, have a "funny" taste in their mouth, or feel sensations on their skin even though nothing is touching their body.

Delusions are false beliefs that don’t go away after even after they've been shown to be false. For example, a person who is certain his or her food is poisoned, even if someone has shown them that the food is fine, has a delusion.

Other possible symptoms of psychotic illnesses include:

• Disorganized or incoherent speech
• Confused thinking
• Strange, possibly dangerous behavior
• Slowed or unusual movements
• Loss of interest in personal hygiene
• Loss of interest in activities
• Problems at school or work and with relationships
• Cold, detached manner with the inability to express emotion
• Mood swings or other mood symptoms, such as depression or mania