Psychotic Disorders
Delusional Disorder
Delusional disorder is a type of serious mental illness in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. A delusion can be defined as a false belief that is based on an incorrect interpretation of reality. Individuals dealing with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions, involving situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, or conspired against. There are different types of delusional disorder based on the themes of the delusion experienced:
- Erotomanic – Believing that another person, often someone famous, is in love with them. This person might attempt to contact the object of the delusion or engage in stalking.
- Grandiose – Having an over-inflated sense of worth, power, or knowledge.
- Jealous – Believing that their spouse or partner is unfaithful
- Persecutory – Believing that they are being mistreated, being spied on, or going to be harmed.
- Somatic – Believing that they have a physical defect or medical problem
- Mixed – Having two or more of the types of delusions listed above
Delusions can occur during the course of other psychiatric illnesses as well. However, the term delusional disorder is used when delusions are the most prominent symptom. Individuals with delusional disorder are typically able to function well on a daily basis.
How is delusional disorder treated?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals to learn to recognize and change distorted thought patterns as well as behaviours. Additionally, family therapy can help families cope with a loved one that has delusional disorder and enable them to help in their treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with delusional disorder, contact us to see how we can help.
Psychosis
Psychosis is characterized by loss of contact with reality, changes in perception, and thinking. It tends to emerge in young adulthood or in periods of high stress. Psychosis can occur during a psychotic episode, occur during schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, or be brought on by the use of substances.
How is psychosis treated?
The most common treatment for psychosis is the use of antipsychotic medications. However, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also help individuals by identifying thought patterns that trigger undesirable feelings and replace these with more helpful thoughts.
If you or someone you know is struggling with psychosis, contact us to see how we can help.
Symptoms of psychosis may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confused thoughts
- Depressed mood
- Feeling like thoughts have sped up or slowed down
- Preoccupation with unusual ideas
- Believing that others can manipulate thoughts
- Hearing voices or having visions that no one else can see or hear
- False beliefs or delusions
- Acting differently than one normally would
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- Disorganized thinking or speech
Psychosis FAQs
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by a loss of reality through the experience of delusions, hallucinations, difficulty with thinking and concentration, as well as lack of motivation. Symptoms of schizophrenia typically first appear in early adulthood, but can emerge at any age, including childhood. The cause of schizophrenia remains unknown.
Schizophrenia vs. Psychosis
Psychosis is defined as a temporary break from reality. During an episode of psychosis, one may experience hallucinations or delusions. Psychosis can be a symptom of another mental health disorder, including schizophrenia, but can also occur in individuals with no other symptoms of a mental health issue.
How is Schizophrenia treated?
Often medication prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist can help reduce the intensity of symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help to reduce symptoms and enhance a person’s daily functioning by reducing stress and improving social skills. Family therapy may also be helpful to help loved ones better understand the disorder.
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be divided into three different types:
- Positive symptoms
- Hallucinations (visual, auditory, or olfactory)
- Delusions
- Suspiciousness
- Disorganized or abnormal motor behaviour
- Negative symptoms
- Disorganized Speech or Thinking
- Blunted or flat affect
- Loss of interest in everyday activities
- Irritability or depressed mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Cognitive symptoms
- Disorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention
- Lack of insight
- Poor decision making
- Problems learning information and applying it
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Toronto Psychologists
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