Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. Psychotic disorders are characterized by a disconnection from reality. Possible symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, agitation and talking incoherently.

People suffering from psychotic disorder have difficulty thinking clearly, making good judgments, responding emotionally, communicating effectively, understanding reality and being appropriate. People with psychotic disorder are often unable to handle daily life. There are different types of psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder and delusional disorder.

People with certain psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia may have problems in parts of the brain that control thinking, perception and motivation.

Psychotic disorders usually first appear in late teens or early twenties. Medications are very effective in managing the most troubling symptoms of psychotic disorders and can be prescribed by an experienced psychiatrist. As with most psychiatric disorders the earlier the treatment is initiated the better the outcome.