Signs and Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
Psychosis can appear in many ways and for many different reasons. Here we are going to focus on Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is usually comprised of both negative and positive symptoms.
Positive Symptoms
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual V (DSM-V) is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.
Two or more of the following symptoms must be present for at least 1 month and some of the symptoms for at least 6 months.
To receive a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
Cognitive impairments caused by the disorder may persist when other symptoms are in remission. This contributes to impairments in functioning in employment, interpersonal relationships, and the ability to engage in proper self-care.
Positive Symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Confused thoughts and disorganized speech. People with schizophrenia can have a hard time organizing their thoughts. They might not be able to follow along when you talk to them. Instead, it might seem like they're “zoning out or distracted.” When they talk, their words can come out jumbled and not make sense.
- Movement disorders. Some people with schizophrenia can seem jumpy. Sometimes they'll make the same movements over and over again. But sometimes they might be perfectly still for hours at a stretch (catatonia).
- Lack of pleasure. The person may not seem to enjoy anything anymore
- Trouble with speech. They might not talk much or show any feelings (or be able to express feelings)
- Flattening: When they talk, their voice can sound flat, like they have no emotions. They may not smile normally or show usual facial emotions in response to conversations or things happening around them.
- Withdrawal. This might include no longer making plans with friends or becoming a hermit. Talking to the person can feel “like pulling teeth”
- Struggling with the basics of daily life. They may stop bathing or taking care of themselves.
- No follow-through. People with schizophrenia have trouble staying on schedule or finishing what they start. Sometimes they can't get started at all.
- Cognitive Symptoms & Thinking Problems
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual V (DSM-V) is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.
Two or more of the following symptoms must be present for at least 1 month and some of the symptoms for at least 6 months.
- Delusion
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized Speech
- Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Negative symptoms
To receive a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
Cognitive impairments caused by the disorder may persist when other symptoms are in remission. This contributes to impairments in functioning in employment, interpersonal relationships, and the ability to engage in proper self-care.
If you would like to be evaluated for a psychotic disorder or seek pharmacological treatment.