Psychotic disorders are a group of mental disorders that share several features, the most characteristic of which are hallucinations and delusions of various contents. Among them, schizophrenia is most often diagnosed. What are the causes and symptoms of psychotic disorders? How is their treatment going?

Psychotic disordersis a group of mental disorders characterized by the loss of the ability to judge reality, disturbances in its perception, changing moods, and the occurrence of hallucinations and / or delusions. Psychotic disorders include, among others: schizophrenia and psychotic depression. However, they should be distinguished from personality disorders or neuroses.

Psychotic disorders - causes and types

  • schizophrenia - genetic and complex environmental factors are the cause
  • schizotypal disorders (schizophrenia-type disorders) - characterized by the presence of typical symptoms of schizophrenia
  • schizoaffective disorders - this is a group of disorders characterized by a combination of symptoms typical of affective disorders and schizophrenia
  • reactive psychotic disorders - they are preceded by some unpleasant sensation, stress
  • organic psychotic disorders - arise as a result of damage to the central nervous system
  • somatogenic psychotic disorders - are the result of somatic diseases, e.g. hypothyroidism
  • psychotic disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances - they result from the use of drugs and designer drugs

Psychotic disorders - symptoms

  • productive symptoms: perceptual disturbances (hallucinations) and delusions of various contents
  • indifference, lowering energy or vice versa - psychomotor agitation
  • paramimia - expressing feelings other than currently experienced with facial expressions
  • paratymia - gestures and behavior inadequate to the situation
  • ambivalence - coexistence of opposing elements in behavior or statements
  • ambitendency - tendency to engage in contradictory, sometimes even opposite, behavior
  • ambition - making completely contradictory statements, each of which is believed to be true

In order for these symptoms to be considered symptoms of psychotic disorders, they must persist throughoutat least 6 months.

Psychotic disorders - treatment

Treatment with neuroleptics is usually used. Antipsychotic drugs block uncontrolled activity in the brain and inhibit hallucinations and delusions. Psychotherapy can also be helpful. It should be remembered that the shorter the time from the onset of symptoms to the introduction of treatment, the greater the chances of recovery.

About the authorBow. Tomasz NęckiA graduate of the medical faculty at the Medical University of Poznań. An admirer of the Polish sea (most willingly strolling along its shores with headphones in his ears), cats and books. In working with patients, he focuses on always listening to them and spending as much time as they need.

Category:

Psychiatry