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Psychotic disorders
encompass

A range of mental health issues where individuals lose touch with reality. This category includes conditions like schizophrenia, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, among others. People dealing with these disorders frequently encounter hallucinations (such as hearing voices that aren’t there) and delusions (firmly believing in things that aren’t true), which significantly affects their grasp on what’s real and what’s not.

Understanding Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions that significantly affect an individual’s perception of reality. Key features include hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t present) and delusions (strongly held false beliefs). These disorders often impact thought processes and emotional responsiveness, leading to challenges in discerning what is real. While the exact cause is multifactorial, involving genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors, psychotic disorders typically manifest in early adulthood but can occur at any age.

Prevention and
Management

While it’s challenging to predict psychosis, avoiding triggers like heavy marijuana use and head injuries, maintaining a balanced diet, and addressing infections promptly can reduce the risk.

Risk Factors for Psychotic
Disorders

Several factors increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders:

Genetic Predisposition

A family history of psychotic disorders or other mental health conditions can
elevate the risk.

Brain Chemistry and Structure

Abnormalities in brain structure or neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving
dopamine, can contribute to psychosis.

Stress and Trauma

Exposure to significant stressors, traumatic experiences, or adverse childhood
experiences (ACEs) can trigger psychotic symptoms.

Substance Use

Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs can induce or exacerbate psychotic symptoms.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, including neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease,
hormonal imbalances, and brain infections, can lead to psychosis.