Psychotic disorders, or psychoses, are characterised by a disconnection from reality. This disconnect can be caused by a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia, but it could also be caused by a medical condition.
Recognising symptoms
Psychosis is a combination of symptoms that result in the sufferer experiencing an impaired relationship with reality.
Delusions are fixed beliefs that remain in place even when conflicting evidence is available
Hallucinations are vivid and clear perception like experiences (seeing, hearing, touching etc.) that do not have an external stimulus or cause
Disorganised thinking, is often seen in disorganised speech including speech that is incomprehensible, rapid switching between topics, and answers that are unrelated to the question
Disorganised or abnormal motor behaviour including unpredictable agitation or significantly decreased reactivity to their environment
Some kinds of psychosis are brought on by specific conditions or circumstances. Brief psychotic disorder, for example, can happen during periods of extreme personal stress like the death of a family member. Someone experiencing brief reactive psychosis will generally recover in a few days to a few weeks, depending on the source of the stress. Psychosis can sometimes be triggered by the use of alcohol or drugs, and it can also be brought on by head trauma, illness, or injury.
For a diagnosis to be made, symptoms need to last for specific periods of time and have a severe impact on functioning. The person experiencing this condition is often unaware of their behaviour.
Different types of psychotic disorders include:
Brief psychotic disorder
This is a short term disturbance that involves the sudden onset of at least one positive psychotic symptom which include delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, or disorganised or catatonic behavior.
Delusional disorder
A belief or altered reality that is persistently held despite evidence or agreement to the contrary. Delusional disorder is a type of mental health condition in which a person can't tell what's real from what's imagined.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is characterised by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganised speech or behaviour, decreased participation in daily activities, or difficulty with concentration and memory.
Schizotypal personality disorder
People with schizotypal personality disorder have odd behavior, speech patterns, thoughts, and perceptions. Other people often describe them as strange or eccentric.
Our general self-assessments can help you better understand and reflect on what you're experiencing, and find the assistance you may need.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are some of the mental health disorders that are treated through the general psychiatry programme at Netcare Akeso mental health facilities. You will experience the care of a skilled multidisciplinary team who can help you to better manage your mental health. Through different therapeutic activities, including groups and individual therapy, and a strong focus on building skills, this programme can help you to improve your daily functioning.
As part of our commitment to providing the best and safest care to all of our patients, we listen. If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or need assistance accessing our services, please get in touch.