Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders


Psychotic disorders are characterized by a significant alteration in an individual's perception or understanding of reality. These changes often manifest as hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations can affect all five senses, leading individuals to hear, see, feel, or taste things in the absence of any external stimuli.

Delusions, on the other hand, involve beliefs that are untrue and inconsistent with the individual's reality. These can take various forms, such as feeling like they are being watched or followed, or believing in a conspiracy to harm them.

In some cases, delusions may be positive, leading individuals to believe that they possess special powers or gifts. The nature of these delusions is often influenced by the person's cultural and educational background. Those experiencing hallucinations or delusions are typically convinced that these sensations are real, which can result in high levels of anxiety.

Schizophrenia, one of the most significant psychotic disorders, is among the top ten leading causes of disability worldwide. This illness typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, and its common symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, disorganized thoughts, diminished emotional expression, and social withdrawal.

The origin of schizophrenia is not entirely understood but has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors, such as high levels of stress during childhood. There isn't a single gene that causes schizophrenia, rather, a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences can increase one's risk of the disease. Psychotic symptoms can also occur in relation to lack of sleep, medical illness, and the use of certain medications and illicit drugs.

Early intervention is crucial in cases of schizophrenia, as it can help rule out other diagnoses and establish the most appropriate course of treatment. Treatment for psychotic disorders primarily involves medication in severe cases, and a combination of lifestyle changes and psychotherapy for milder cases. Commonly prescribed medications for these disorders include Risperdal, Zyprexa, Geodon, Seroquel, Abilify, and Haldol.

At Verdant Behavioral Health, we offer an integrative approach to treating psychotic disorders. Our treatment plans can incorporate medications when necessary, alongside lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and other elements that contribute to overall well-being. Our goal is to transition each patient from daily symptom management to achieve optimal mental wellness.

Start your journey to reclaiming your reality and achieving optimal wellness with our comprehensive online treatment for schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.