PSYCHOTIC DISODERS

A psychotic disorder is a term used to describe multiple types of psychiatric conditions that involve psychosis. Psychosis refers to impairment with reality, and can include paranoia, auditory or visual hallucinations, delusional thought processes, or confusion.

Psychosis can be related to a psychiatric diagnosis, such as schizophrenia, and can also result from substance abuse., which is more commonly referred to as substance-induced psychosis as opposed to a psychotic disorder.

Approximately 3 in 100 people will experience a psychotic disorder. Psychosis is not something that is present in other psychiatric disorders, and is generally related to a severe condition. Psychosis may present itself in a person suffering from severe, prolonged periods of depression, but does not mean that person has a psychotic disorder. Psychosis is more common in disorders such as schizophrenia.

If you re experiencing symptoms of psychosis you are encouraged to seek help, schedule a visit, go to the nearest emergency room, and call 911. Often times an adjustment in medications is needed, or psychosis can develop from physical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection in the older adult.