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Psychotic Disorders
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Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions that can alter the reality of a person. They may see and hear things that don’t exist or believe and act in a way that is “not normal” for the average person. Due to a psychotic disorder, they may have delusions and hallucinations and may face abnormal thinking and perceptions, especially physically hurting another person.
These disorders may be caused by traumatic events, depression, and/or brain chemical changes, but there hasn’t been a full-proof reason as to what causes psychotic disorders. The symptoms differ from person to person. It can be substance abuse, sensing about things that don’t exist, or an innate desire to hurt someone (sadism); sometimes the person knows what they are doing, but other times, a person has no idea what their mind did during a psychotic episode.
What are the types of psychotic disorders?
Broadly classified based on actions, these are the four types of psychotic disorders – schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, catatonia, and ‘folie à deux.’ Not uncommon, schizophrenia defines the basic psychotic disorder symptoms that include hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that don’t exist) and sadism. The range for schizophrenia episodes can differ from person to person. Some may be born with a disorder; some develop it for a few months (brief psychotic disorder); and some develop hallucinations following a traumatic event.
Bipolar disorder is a condition when an individual develops hypermood swings. With trigger events, they may go into an episode of hyper sadness (depression) and feel the need for self-harm. Alternately, they may want to overindulge in pleasurable activities (hypomania) like excessive shopping, inappropriate sexual behavior, or doing reckless activities that otherwise need cautious thinking.
Catatonia, very similar to schizophrenia, draws its differences with “not-normal” motor (dis)abilities. For example, verbal mutism (acting mute on purpose), odd manners (like not adjusting, supreme/godly behaviors), repetitive meaningless actions, saying illogical sentences, reacting with anger or violence to an apparent threat, or even mimicry.
Lastly, folie à deux refers to two people experiencing the same disorder. This usually runs in the family, parent-child, twins – coming from the same trauma as the other. The term is commonly translated to “madness experienced by two.”
What are the symptoms of psychotic disorders?
The symptoms of psychotic disorders differ from person to person. The following is a list of symptoms:
- Anxiety, paranoia, or hyper-responsive senses
- Social withdrawal, lack of interest in routine activities especially personal hygiene
- Hallucinations, jealousy, sadism, dangerous behavior
- Debating behavior, especially over trigger topics
- Cold, rude, detached attitude, or over-friendly attitude
These are only some of the symptoms of a possible disorder. A therapist may help judge the condition better.
What is considered psychotic behavior?
The general definition of psychotic behavior is a withdrawal of self from reality. One may experience things that others don’t and that is the most basic symptom of psychotic behavior.
Some behavior includes difficulty in concentrating, prolonged depression, insomnia or oversleeping, selective withdrawal, self-abuse, substance abuse, potential danger to people around them, and erratic behavior.
However, what might be a psychotic behavior for one, may not be for another person. Therefore, it is always necessary to consult a specialist to discuss abnormal attitudes.
What causes psychotic disorders?
The causes of psychotic disorders are not fixed. For example, a child born with a chemical imbalance may have life-long psychotic disorders. For some, it develops due to other underlying conditions such as OCD, ADHD, PTSD, or the death of someone close.
Some studies point out the development of psychotic behavior post a physical medical state like pregnancy, cancer, or even inadequate sleep. Unwanted thoughts, fears, uncomfortable social situations may also result in psychotic behavior. Studies have shown that young men tend to develop psychotic disorders more often than women. Yet, a full-proof reason for an episode of psychotic behavior has never been proved.
Like in the case of physical illnesses, an individual must consult with healthcare professional for symptoms of a possible mental disorder. So, if you, or a loved one, are looking for treatment, don’t hesitate to get help today.
Our team at Stedfast Psychiatry are here to help you live your best life. We serve patients from Boynton Beach FL, Palm Beach Gardens FL, Jupiter FL, West Palm Beach FL, Riviera Beach FL, Century Village FL, Lake Park FL, and North Palm Beach FL.