What is a psychotic disorder?
A psychotic disorder refers to a family of mental health disorders that affect brain function by altering thoughts, beliefs and perceptions of reality. These disorders share common psychotic symptoms such as:
- Hallucinations: perceiving something with one or more senses that others do not perceive (example : hearing voices).
- Delusions: Holding firm beliefs, even when they are clearly false or improbable, and despite evidence or arguments to the contrary (example : being convinced that other people are manipulating one’s thoughts).
In addition to these symptoms, the person may experience mood or behavioural changes. By example:
- Lack of energy or organisation
- Social withdrawal: avoiding friends or family
- Academic or professional difficulties
- Neglect of hygiene and appearance
- Sleep disturbances
- Unusual ideas or beliefs
- Physical complaints without cause
- Excessive mistrust
- Vague or difficult to understand statements
- Unusual behaviours
- Depressive mood, suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Sudden changes in interest rates
When episodes of psychosis are treated promptly, the person can better manage their symptoms and thus reduce the risk of further episodes through treatment. They can recover and learn to live fully despite their illness.
Some types of psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia includes episodes of psychosis, but also difficulties with thinking, emotions and behaviour.
Brief psychotic disorderbref
Psychotic symptoms are intense and last less than a month, with a complete return to normal.
Schizoaffective disorder
This is a combination of psychotic symptoms and a mood disorder (depression or mania).
Substance induced psychotic disorder
Psychotic symptoms are caused directly by drug use.
Reminder
No single factor can cause a mental health disorder, and the manifestation of certain symptoms does not automatically lead to a diagnosis. Only doctors, psychologists, and certain professionals authorised by their professional associations are able to make a diagnosis based on a complex professional analysis that consider multiple factors (genetic, biological, environmental, and experiential).
Testimonials
- The story of Marie-Ève living with schizoaffective disorder
- The story of Gabriel who experienced several episodes of toxic psychosis
- The podcast La psychose dans tous ses états
For more information and support
- Services and website of the Société québécoise de la schizophrénie et des psychoses apparentées
Warning
Depending on their intensity and duration, some signs and symptoms cannot be addressed solely through the use of self-management tools. In the event of significant psychological distress, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional help quickly, especially if you or those around you observe the following signs:
- Excessive anger or sudden mood swings
- Nervousness or agitation
- Inconsolable sadness or lack of emotion
- A loss of interest in activities you enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping or a tendency to sleep much more than usual
- Significant weight loss or gain in a short period of time
- No longer taking your medication
- Lack of hygiene
- A tendency to withdraw and isolate
Thanks to the Société québécoise de la schizophrénie et des psychoses apparentées which contributed to the drafting and validation of this content.
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