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SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM AND RELATED PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

 
 

Psychotic disorders are a collection of mental illnesses linked to a condition called “psychosis.”

Psychosis refers to a handful of symptoms where the brain struggles to distinguish what is “real”. Some of these symptoms, specifically hallucinations, can be experienced in specific circumstances (such as physical illness or during substance use). However, in the absence of such physical causes, these illnesses are referred to as psychotic disorders. Symptoms of such disorders can include the following:

  • Delusions: strong, fixed beliefs without evidence to prove them (e.g. believing that people are following, watching, or intending to harm them)
  • Hallucinations: experiencing a sensation (through sight, hearing, smell, touch or taste) without there being any physical cause for it
  • Disorganized (“erratic”, “strange”) behaviour, or thoughts (“not making sense”, “talking nonsense”)

Although many psychotic disorders exist, one of the most severe and well known is Schizophrenia. This is a chronic type of psychotic disorder that often involves the above symptoms and challenges in everyday functioning, such as a decline in self-care (hygiene, household tasks), social difficulties, planning or motivation.

A rare form of psychotic disorder, known as Schizoaffective disorder, involves two challenging aspects of treatment: psychotic symptoms and mood symptoms (depressive, manic or both).

MOOD, ANXIETY & PERSONALITY DISORDERS

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE AND TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS

SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM AND RELATED PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

SUBSTANCE/MEDICATION-INDUCED DISORDERS, REQUIRING DUAL DIAGNOSTIC MANAGEMENT

NEUROPSYCHIATRIC AND BODY-RELATED CONDITIONS

FAQ

1Who is at risk of developing Schizophrenia?
Those with a family history of psychosis can be at risk of developing these conditions (particularly in the case of Schizophrenia). However, positive family history by no means guarantees that you will develop such symptoms, and some people developing psychotic disorders have no such history to speak of. Other risk factors include substance use (especially cannabis or “psychedelic” drugs), head trauma, and certain types of medical conditions (e.g. autoimmune) or medications (e.g. steroids).
2How do we diagnose psychotic disorders?
Even though this is primarily a diagnosis based on a person’s history and experiences, some medical investigations would need to be done to rule out physical factors that could cause or worsen these symptoms. This usually involves, at minimum, several blood tests and a urine screen for infection, drugs or toxins.
3What is the outcome (“prognosis”) for patients with psychotic disorders?
The outcome for a person struggling with psychosis (just like any symptoms of mental illness) can be influenced by many factors, including other existing conditions, one’s support system, and one’s understanding of their illness and need for treatment. However, with the right approach, medication and support in place, most people with psychotic disorders can manage their conditions like any other chronic illness and continue to live productive, meaningful and individual lives. Nevertheless, some people can experience challenges in controlling these symptoms or understanding their illness, even with the right treatments. Therefore, certain adjustments may need to be discussed with them and their loved ones when moving forward.

TREATMENT

Treatment for Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders includes, at its core, a medication known as antipsychotic agents. There are many choices, each with benefits and side effects, but all assist with correcting the imbalances of Dopamine and other chemicals that our brain produces to keep our hold on reality in check.

Although the mainstay of treatment for psychotic disorders is medication-based, certain types of psychotherapy can be valuable in the long-term management of psychotic symptoms. Such forms of therapy can include individual psychotherapy and reality-orientated therapy. These can assist patients in dealing with the emotional and mental challenges that come with psychotic disorders and the associated symptoms.