Psychotic Disorders

The term “psychosis,” comes from the Greek word for
abnormal condition of the mind. It has been used in many different ways in
clinical medicine.

Starting in 1980 with the publication of the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). The term indicated
disruption of the ability to distinguish between the internal experience of the mind and the external reality of the surroundings.
Delusions, such as the belief that one is being poisoned by neighbors who are piping gas through the walls are common, for example.  Hallucinations, illogical and incoherent speech and made-up words, rhymed words and nonsensical sentences come up. Echolalia (repetition of words) and awkward motor behavior (strange postures and waxy flexibility) are also there.

Psychotic disorders involve some form of altered perception of reality. They interferes with everyday life.

3 percent of the population will experience some form of a psychotic episode during their lifetime. The first experience of psychosis usually happens to young people between the ages of 14-31.

Psychotic episodes can occur as an isolated event. But they are frequently an indication of an underlying mental health problem.

teenager girl eating obsession healthy food

Although we have not fully understood psychotic disorders yet, some associated risk factors include:

• Family history of psychotic disorders or episodes (especially schizophrenia).
• Drug use, especially hallucinogenic, cannabis and amphetamines.
• Stressful events that trigger the onset of a psychotic episode.