Psychotic Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

What is a psychotic disorder?

A psychotic disorder is a mental condition that affects your emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are examples of psychotic disorders.

What are the signs and symptoms of a psychotic disorder?

You may have hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are things you see, hear, feel, taste or smell that seem real but are not. Delusions are beliefs that are not true. These beliefs can make you think that someone is trying to harm you or control your mind. Your risk for harming yourself or others may increase with hallucinations and delusions. You may also have any of the following symptoms:

Feeling scared or confused because you have trouble organizing and expressing your thoughts
Speaking quickly, slowly, or loudly, or saying things that do not make sense
Strong emotions, such as anxiety or depression, or no emotions at all
Sudden mood changes, such as becoming irritable, angry, or depressed quickly
Not wanting to be around others, or a lack of facial expression, eye contact, or communication with others
Poor school or work performance from lack of motivation
More movement than usual, or movement that is slow or not necessary
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

What increases my risk for a psychotic disorder?

Healthcare providers do not know the exact cause of a psychotic disorder. Any of the following may increase your risk:

Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder
Alcohol or substance use disorders or withdrawal
Stressful events such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, or divorce
Medicines such as steroids, antidepressants, or digoxin
A family history of a psychotic disorder
Medical conditions such as Parkinson disease, HIV, stroke, or epilepsy
Infection, a brain injury, or a brain tumor

How is a psychotic disorder diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them. Your provider will ask if you have a family history of mental illness. Tell your provider about stressful events in your life. Your provider may ask about other health conditions, medicines, or substances you take. Blood and urine tests may be used to check for drug or alcohol use, or infection. CT or MRI pictures may show problems in your brain that can cause a psychotic disorder. An EEG may be used to find changes in your brain activity that may cause your symptoms.

How is a psychotic disorder treated?

You may need any of the following:

Medicines may be given to help decrease your symptoms. You may need 1 or more medicines. You may need to take your medicine for several weeks before you begin to feel better. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or problems you have with your medicines. Medicines are usually given together with therapy or other treatments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you create more realistic, appropriate thoughts about yourself and your behaviors. You may work individually with a mental health provider. CBT may also be done with a group of people that have a psychotic disorder. CBT may be combined with medicines that help treat your psychotic disorder.
Family counseling can help you and your family work together to understand and manage your psychotic disorder.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Join a support group. You may feel lonely, anxious, or depressed. A support group lets you talk with others who have a psychotic disorder. This can help you understand and cope with your disorder better.
Manage your stress. Stress can increase your symptoms. Ask your provider about mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, or other ways to help decrease your stress.
Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can lower your stress, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. Most providers recommend 30 minutes each day, 5 days a week. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
Do not use tobacco products, drink alcohol, or use drugs. These substances can all increase your symptoms or make them hard to manage. Substances may also interact with medicines used to treat psychotic disorders. Ask your provider for information if you currently use any of these and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

How do I find support and more information?

National Alliance on Mental Illness
3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
Arlington , VA 22203
Phone: 1- 703 - 524-7600
Phone: 1- 800 - 950-6264
Web Address: http://www.nami.org

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6200, MSC 9663
Bethesda , MD 20892-9663
Phone: 1- 301 - 443-4513
Phone: 1- 866 - 615-6464
Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

You think or talk about hurting yourself or someone else.

When should I call my doctor or therapist or have someone call?

Your symptoms get worse or do not get better with treatment.
You cannot make it to your next appointment.
Your symptoms keep you from doing your regular daily activities.
You have new symptoms.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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