Psychotic Disorders
WHAT ARE PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS?
Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions that alter a person’s sense of reality. These conditions cause a patient to be uncertain about what is real and what isn’t. These disruptions in the brain can cause a patient to see things, hear things, or believe things that aren’t true. The most common psychotic disorders are schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, and substance-induced psychotic disorder.
3% of People in the United States will Experience a Psychotic Episode in Their Lives.
TYPES OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
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This is the most common psychotic disorder. It is a severe brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is more than just confusion or suspicious beliefs. It is a debilitating illness that can result in behavior that is agitated, withdrawn, or disoriented. Like other mental disorders, it is treatable with medication, therapy, and support services.
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Someone with brief psychotic disorder experiences acute, but temporary, onsets of delusions, hallucinations, and confusion. The disorder is most commonly associated with significant stress or traumatic events.
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This disorder is marked by a patient’s fixation on a particular belief, like being poisoned or conspired against. The delusions are generally based on situations that could be true and can last for at least one month.
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Mental health disorders are often found with co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Radical withdrawal from substances such as methamphetamines or even alcohol can result in delusions and hallucinations.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most researched psychotherapy for psychotic episodes. In general, CBT focuses on sorting through what a patient believes is real or imaginary. CBT is often most effective when used in conjunction with antipsychotic medication.
COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT THERAPY (CET)
A psychotherapy that uses exercises to train a patient’s brain for attention, memory, and problem-solving. Because psychotic disorders create barriers to rational thinking and socializing, doctors utilize CET in conjunction with other therapies to support improved social interactions and cognitive functions.
MEDICATION
Some people find that medication is helpful in managing a psychotic disorder. Talk with your health care provider about the potential benefits, risks, and side effects.
Antipsychotics. Certain medications work to reduce the production of dopamine in the brain, which has been shown to be overactive in people with psychotic disorders. They are designed to reduce agitation and the confusion that comes with the disease. While some medications can take effect within a few hours, most antipsychotic drugs take several weeks to become fully effective.
Antidepressants. Many antidepressants may also be useful for treating psychotic disorders. They are most commonly used to treat any co-occurring mood disorders.
Anti-Anxiety Medication. Anxiety disorders are also a common co-occurring disorder with psychotic disorders. Often anti-anxiety medications are prescribed to help reduce the symptoms that cause enhanced anxiety and agitation.
SELF MANAGEMENT
Yoga
Relaxation
Exercise
Mindfulness
HOW DO I GET HELP?
BECOME AN EXPERT
Learn about medication and treatment options. Keep up with current research. Build a personal library of useful websites and helpful books.
KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS AND STRESSORS
If large groups make you nervous, plan to see the Sunday matinee. If taking a walk outdoors reduces your anxiety before a big meeting, schedule a 10-minute walk before the meeting starts. Being mindful of triggers and stressors will help you live your life with fewer limitations.
PARTNER WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Actively participate in your treatment by working with mental health care professionals to develop a plan that works for you. Talk with them about your goals, decide on a recovery pace you’re comfortable with, and stick to your plan. Don’t quit when something doesn’t go well. Instead, talk to your doctor or therapist about possible changes.
GET HEALTHY
Studies have reported that 30 minutes of vigorous, aerobic exercise can eliminate symptoms, while low-key activities like meditation, yoga or Tai Chi relieve stress. Regular exercise can reduce many symptoms. Diet is also an important factor, so try to eat healthy, balanced meals and pay attention to food sensitivities. In some people, certain foods or additives can cause unpleasant physical reactions, which may lead to irritability or anxiety.
AVOID DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
These substances may seem to help with anxiety at first but can disrupt emotional balance, sleep cycles, and interact with medications. Coffee, energy drinks, and cigarettes worsen anxiety.
