An individual who suffers from psychotic disorders loses touch with reality and is unable to think, feel, or behave normally. In order to manage and support psychotic disorders effectively, it is crucial to understand their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Causes
The exact causes of psychotic disorders are not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Psychotic disorders may be caused by several factors, including:
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Psychotic disorders may be more common in families with a history of psychosis.
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Anomalies in brain chemistry and structure.
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Significant stress or trauma.
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Drug abuse, especially marijuana, LSD, or amphetamines.
Symptoms
Psychotic disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
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False beliefs that are not based on reality that are firmly held.
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Perceptions of things that are not present, such as hearing voices, are called hallucinations.
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Making logical connections or organizing thoughts is difficult when you are disorganized.
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Behavior that is disorganized: Erratic or unpredictable.
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Reduced motivation or emotional expression are negative symptoms.
Diagnosis
An evaluation by a mental health professional is required to diagnose psychotic disorders.
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To rule out any underlying medical conditions, a physical examination and medical history are needed.
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Evaluation of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning by a psychiatrist.
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Tests and assessments conducted by psychologists.
Treatment
Psychotic disorders are often treated with medication, psychotherapy, and support services. Common approaches include:
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Symptoms can be alleviated with antipsychotic medications.
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A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can address distorted thinking patterns and coping strategies.
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Programs to improve social and occupational functioning through social support and rehabilitation.
Prevention
Some strategies may help reduce the risk of psychotic disorders, even though they cannot prevent all cases:
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Interventions for mental health concerns at an early stage.
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Substance abuse should be avoided.
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Stress management requires healthy coping mechanisms.
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Supporting and educating at-risk individuals and families.
