TREATING PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
WHAT ARE PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS?
Psychotic disorders are serious mental illnesses that cause altered cognitions and perceptions and cause the affected individual to lose touch with reality. Several mental severe illnesses are categorized as psychotic disorders, and their core symptoms include:
• Hallucinations (perceptual disturbances)
• Delusions (a persistent false belief)
People who suffer from psychotic disorders may have trouble with daily functioning, self-care, and occupational and social interactions.
: What are Psychotic Disorders?
: Types of Psychotic Disorders
: Diagnosing a Psychotic Disorder
: Treating Psychotic Disorders
TYPES OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
SCHIZOPHRENIA is a serious, chronic mental illness that affects thinking, feeling, and behavior. The cause of schizophrenia is unknown and is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
‘Positive’ (Noticeable) Symptoms can include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
‘Negative’ Symptoms can include:
- Flat affect (lack of emotion in facial expressions)
- Impaired ability to experience pleasure in daily activities
- Impaired motivation
- Slowing of thoughts and speech
Cognitive Symptoms can include:
- Reduced ability to understand or make decisions based on information (executive functioning)
- Trouble focusing/paying attention
- Reduced ability to use data directly upon learning/receiving it
SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER is a serious, chronic mental illness that combines the symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar Disorder. The exact cause of the schizoaffective Disorder is unknown but is likely a combination of genetic, psychological, and social factors.
SCHIZOPHRENIFORM DISORDER is a disorder where the person has the symptoms of schizophrenia (including delusions), hallucinations, or both for one to six months. If symptoms persist longer than six months, the affected individual may be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
DELUSIONAL DISORDER is a disorder where the core symptom is a fixed false belief without other associated symptoms of psychosis. Individuals with delusional Disorder have varying abilities to function, depending on the type and extent of their delusions.
BRIEF PSYCHOTIC DISORDER has symptoms similar to schizophrenia which last up to one month. The cause of brief psychotic Disorder is unknown but is usually a combination of genetic vulnerability and extreme stress or trauma. With appropriate treatment, individuals with brief psychotic Disorder can recover back to their previous level of functioning.
Mood Disorders such as depression and bipolar Disorder can also have associated psychotic symptoms.
DIAGNOSING A PSYCHOTIC DISORDER
If you or somebody you love suffers from any of the above symptoms, professional help is available. With all of the above disorders, including chronic disorders, the prognosis may be improved by an appropriate diagnosis and treatment program. People with chronic mental illness can live happy, healthy, and productive lives with ongoing treatment, including proper medication and therapy.
Proper diagnosis of psychotic disorders can be complex and challenging. It is essential to seek a comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluation by an experienced clinician to receive the correct diagnosis.
HOW TO TREAT PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
At ASANTE, we understand the complexities of correctly diagnosing a psychotic disorder. Treatment begins with a careful diagnosis by a licensed clinician. Our team will conduct a thorough biopsychosocial evaluation and create a highly individualized and integrative treatment plan to start the process of stabilization. After your initial diagnosis, treatment may begin with medications for your particular symptoms. Your treatment team will closely monitor your symptoms, any potential side effects and adjust medications accordingly.
In addition to medication, therapy is a critical part of initial stabilization and treatment. Therapy may include family, group, and individual therapy. With the right combination of medication and therapy, our goal is for you to return to a healthy, happy, and meaningful life. Integrative treatment modalities may include:
- Mindfulness + Meditation
- Journaling
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Art
ASANTE CAN HELP YOU HEAL
Our goal is to provide you with compassionate, outcome-driven clinical care. With appropriate diagnosis and comprehensive, highly individualized treatment, you can take the first steps towards resuming a healthy and meaningful life. Our goal is not just symptom reduction but to support each individual in living a life aligned with one’s core values.
For more information on how we can help you, please call ASANTE at 909.886.3322