Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders affect 0.25-0.64% of adults in the United States. When left untreated, these disorders can dramatically and negatively alter your life. At Forcey Behavioral Health Services in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Sherifat Forcey, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and treats psychotic disorders to help individuals with these conditions flourish. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What are psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorders are extreme mental health conditions that cause abnormal perceptions and thinking, leading to a loss of touch with reality. 

They’re characterized by hallucinations (false perceptions) and delusions (false beliefs). Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder; some people with bipolar disorder also have symptoms of psychosis. Other conditions that may cause psychosis include brain infections, brain tumors, stroke, alcohol, and drugs.

Which symptoms can psychotic disorders cause?

Psychotic disorders can cause:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Difficulty distinguishing between reality and false beliefs
• Hearing voices
• Disorganized or incoherent speaking patterns
• Unusual movements
• Speaking in an emotionless voice
• Being paranoid or suspicious 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression or anxiety
• Not caring about your appearance
• Drug or alcohol misuse

Psychotic disorders can drastically affect your job, school, relationships, and even the ability for effective self-care. 

What may increase the risk of psychotic disorders?

The following conditions may increase the risk of psychotic disorders:

• Family history of mental health conditions
• Trauma 
• Extreme stress or anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression 
• Postpartum depression
• Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
• Chronic diseases
• Strokes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Other neurological disorders
• Hormone-related disorders
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Head injuries

However, the exact cause of psychotic disorders isn’t entirely clear. 

How are psychotic disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosing psychotic disorders involves a discussion about your personal and family medical histories, medications, lifestyle, and symptoms. Sherifat completes an in-person or telehealth psychiatric evaluation to assess your thoughts, emotions, moods, and behaviors and personalizes a mental health treatment plan based on your specific needs.

How are psychotic disorders treated?

Psychotic disorder treatment plans may consist of medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other forms of in-person or telehealth psychotherapy. Sherifat might refer you to an inpatient treatment program if you have severe psychosis that poses a danger to yourself or others. She might suggest support groups if you have substance misuse.

Additional ways to help treat or reduce the risk of psychotic disorders include avoiding drug and alcohol use, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, minimizing stress, getting enough sleep, and having a strong social support network in place. 

Meet with Sherifat weekly or as needed for psychotherapy sessions, take any medications exactly as directed and call the Forcey Behavioral Health Services office at any time with questions.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth psychotic disorder evaluation at Forcey Behavioral Health Services by phone or use the online booking feature today.