Psychotic Disorders

Do you know someone who experiences hallucinations or has bouts of very unusual behavior? If so, they might have a psychotic disorder. The expert Evolve Behavioral Health team in Florence, Alabama, led by founders Debbie Tyson, CRNP, and Jessi Tidwell, CRNP, provides patient-centered care and evidence-based solutions for patients with psychotic disorders. Call the office today to book an appointment, or use the online scheduling tool for convenience when you’re ready.

What are psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve distorted thinking, impaired perception of reality, and difficulty distinguishing between what’s real and what isn’t.

Individuals with psychotic disorders may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and unusual behaviors. Two common psychotic disorders include:

Schizoaffective disorder

This condition combines symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, with mood disorder symptoms like depression or mania. It’s often challenging to diagnose because it shares features with both schizophrenia and mood disorders, making it essential for the Evolve Behavioral Health team to carefully assess the individual's symptoms and history.

Schizophrenia

This condition is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning. 

What causes psychotic disorders?

The exact cause of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders isn’t fully understood, but medical professionals believe factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental influences play a role.

Regardless of its cause, the mental health team at Evolve Behavioral Health uses evidence-based treatments to help patients with psychotic disorders manage their symptoms and get better.

How are psychotic disorders diagnosed?

To diagnose psychotic disorders, the Evolve Behavioral Health professional performs a comprehensive assessment that may include a thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and psychological evaluations. They also consider the individual's symptoms and their impact on daily functioning to determine an accurate diagnosis.

How are psychotic disorders treated?

The Evolve Behavioral Health team may use a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and support services. They might prescribe antipsychotic medications to help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. These medications work by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also benefit individuals with psychotic disorders, helping them learn coping strategies, improve insight into their illness, and address underlying issues that contribute to their symptoms.

Supportive services, such as case management, vocational rehabilitation, and housing assistance, can also play a role in helping individuals with psychotic disorders manage their daily lives and maintain stability.

To learn more about the different types of psychotic disorders and how they’re diagnosed and treated, reach out to Evolve Behavioral Health today by phone or online.