PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

1) SCHIZOPHRENIA Might have hallucinations(hearing voices or seeing things that are not real) or might have delusions(strong beliefs in things that are not true) 2) SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER Mixes symptoms of schizophrenia with a mood disorder(mania or depression) With the depressive type, often feel sad or worthless. With the bipolar type, have periods of mania which is racing thoughts and extreme happiness. 3) SCHIZOPHRENIFORM DISORDER Same symptoms as schizophrenia but hallucinations and delusions are temporary. It lasts between 1 and 6 months Sometimes symptoms can return later. Less common than schizophrenia. Teens and young adults are most often affected. Can turn into full-blown schizophrenia even after it is treated. 4) BRIEF PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Suddenly get symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Extreme stress after things like an accident or the death of a loved one is one possible trigger. It can happen to a woman after giving birth. There is no obvious cause sometimes. Usually within a month, symptoms go away on their own. Brief psychotic disorder turns into schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in some people. 5) DELUSIONAL DISORDER False sense of reality about one or more beliefs Examples are: You might think a friend is plotting to kill you, a celebrity is in love with you or your partner is cheating. Everyday life becomes affected by these false beliefs. For instance, you might be afraid to leave the house because you think someone is going to harm you. 6) SHARED PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Rare condition where two people in a relationship share the same untrue belief. An example would be if a mother and son both think they are about to be abducted by aliens. Also called folie a deux, which means "madness between two". 7) SUBSTANCE-INDUCED PSYCHOTIC DISORDER Start or stop certain drugs Symptoms include hallucinations and delusions Alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, LSD, marijuana, opioids and sedatives are drugs that bring it on. Once the drug is stop being taken or the person has gone through withdrawal, the symptoms should go away. But can return if drug is taken again. 8) DISORDER DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION A medical condition can bring on symptoms that seem like a mental health disorder. Psychotic disorder may start after a head injury or during Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, brain tumor, HIV or Aids, low blood sugar(hypoglycemia), lupus, multiple sclerosis, stroke, syphilis and Parkinson's disease. First symptoms can be hard to spot so might not realize there is a problem. If you can not concentrate or think clearly, are suspicious of people around, see or hear things no one else can, you pull away from loved ones and spend more time alone, have strange new beliefs and can not be convinced they are untrue or stop bathing or caring for yourself, a doctor should be seen. During the first outbreak of symptoms is the best chance of recovery. Medicine and talk therapy may be suggested. Therapists help to understand thoughts and behaviors and they teach healthier ways to manage problems. Hallucinations and delusions can be eased by antipsychotic drugs. If symptoms of depression, like despair and sadness, are present, then an antidepressant may be prescribed.