Psychology Chapter on Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are severe mental disorders characterized by a disconnection from reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and impaired functioning.

Schizophrenia
- Symptoms: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior, negative symptoms (e.g., lack of motivation).
- Duration: Must last at least 6 months, including at least 1 month of active symptoms.
Schizophreniform Disorder
- Symptoms: Similar to schizophrenia but lasts less than 6 months.
- Diagnosis: Can progress to schizophrenia or resolve completely.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
- Symptoms: Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) lasting from 1 day to less than 1 month.
- Often triggered by stress or trauma.
Delusional Disorder
- Symptoms: Persistent delusions lasting 1 month or longer.
- Types of delusions: Erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, somatic.
Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
- Symptoms: Psychosis resulting from substance use (drugs, alcohol) or withdrawal.
- Diagnosis: Symptoms must occur during or shortly after substance use.
Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
- Symptoms: Psychotic features attributable to medical illnesses (e.g., neurological disorders, endocrine disorders).

Hallucinations: Perception of things not present (e.g., hearing voices).
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs (e.g., paranoia, grandiosity).
Disorganized Thinking: Incoherent or illogical communication.
Negative Symptoms: Reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, social withdrawal.

Medications
- Antipsychotic medications (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine) are primary treatment.
- May require dosage adjustments and monitoring for side effects.
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help address distorted thinking and improve coping strategies.
- Supportive therapy to enhance social skills and functioning.
Psychosocial Interventions
- Family therapy, social skills training, and rehabilitation programs.

Varies significantly based on type of disorder, treatment adherence, and individual circumstances.
Early intervention and ongoing support can improve outcomes and quality of life.

Genetic predisposition, environmental factors (e.g., trauma, stress), substance abuse, and certain medical conditions.

Stigma around psychotic disorders can impact treatment and recovery.
Education and awareness are crucial for reducing stigma and promoting understanding.

Schizophrenia:
- Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior, negative symptoms.
- Symptoms persist for a minimum of 6 months; at least 1 month must involve active symptoms.
Schizophreniform Disorder:
- Symptoms mirror schizophrenia but last less than 6 months.
- Can resolve completely or transition into schizophrenia.
Brief Psychotic Disorder:
- Characterized by rapid onset of psychotic symptoms lasting from 1 day to under 1 month.
- Often triggered by stress or traumatic events.
Delusional Disorder:
- Persistent delusions enduring 1 month or more.
- Types include erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, and somatic delusions.
Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder:
- Psychosis linked to substance use (e.g., drugs, alcohol) or withdrawal symptoms.
- Symptoms appear during or shortly after substance exposure.
Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition:
- Psychotic features linked to other medical issues, like neurological or endocrine disorders.

Hallucinations: False perceptions, such as hearing voices or seeing nonexistent objects.
Delusions: Firmly held erroneous beliefs, including paranoia or grandiosity.
Disorganized Thinking: Incoherent communicationmaking thoughts challenging to follow.
Negative Symptoms: Reduced emotional expressiveness, withdrawal from social interactions, lack of initiative.

Conducted through clinical assessments, reviewing patient history, and symptom observation.
Follows DSM-5 criteria for accurate classification.

Medications:
- Primary treatment involves antipsychotic medications like risperidone and olanzapine.
- Requires careful dosage management and monitoring for side effects.
Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effective for addressing distorted thoughts and coping strategies.
- Supportive therapy aids in enhancing social skills and overall functioning.
Psychosocial Interventions:
- Family therapy, social skills training, and rehabilitation programs support recovery.

Varies by disorder type, treatment compliance, and individual conditions.
Early intervention and ongoing support significantly enhance recovery and quality of life.

Genetics, environmental influences (e.g., trauma, stress), substance abuse, and specific health issues elevate the risk of psychotic disorders.

Stigma surrounding psychotic disorders can hinder treatment and recovery efforts.
Promoting education and awareness is vital for diminishing stigma and fostering understanding.