Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders change how you experience reality, affecting your thoughts, perceptions, and daily functioning. At Committed to Recovery in Memphis, Tennessee, the mental health team treats people experiencing psychosis with evidence-based approaches that help restore stability and improve quality of life. These conditions require specialized care, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage symptoms and return to work, relationships, and activities that matter to you. Call to make an appointment or use the online scheduler today.

What are psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorders alter your perception of reality, and may include hallucinations, holding false beliefs despite evidence otherwise, or difficulty organizing thoughts and speech. 

These conditions typically first appear in your late teens or early twenties, but can develop at any age.

What are psychotic disorder symptoms?

There are two main categories of symptoms: positive and negative. Positive symptoms add experiences that aren’t typically present:

• Delusions (false beliefs you hold despite clear evidence they’re untrue)
• Hallucinations (when you see, hear, smell, or feel things that others don’t)
• Disorganized speech (your thoughts jump around)
• Disorganized behavior (affects how you move, dress, or care for yourself)

With negative symptoms, you might show less emotion, lose motivation, withdraw from others, or struggle to concentrate.

What are the different types of psychotic disorders?

The team needs to know which type of psychotic disorder you have because treatments work differently for each one. 

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is the most well-known type. Symptoms must last at least six months and include delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. Schizophrenia affects 1% of the population.

Delusional disorder

With this condition, you maintain fixed false beliefs for at least a month, but the rest of your thinking remains clear and organized. 

Schizoaffective disorder

You have symptoms of schizophrenia plus major mood episodes like depression or mania, with symptoms occurring even when your mood is stable.

Substance-induced psychotic disorder

Drug or alcohol use, withdrawal, or medication side effects cause your symptoms. The psychosis stops when the substance leaves your system.

How are psychotic disorders treated?

Committed to Recovery creates treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, combining several methods for the best chance of recovery, including:

Medication

Antipsychotic medications reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The team works with you to find the right prescription and dose that controls your symptoms without causing side effects.

Therapy

Several types of therapy can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you to manage symptoms and develop coping skills. Individual therapy provides you with space to process and work through challenges. Family therapy helps your loved ones learn ways to communicate and support you. 

Rehabilitation services

These programs help you regain daily living skills, find work, and reconnect with others. Many people with psychotic disorders live independently and work successfully with proper support.

If you experience symptoms of psychosis, contact Committed to Recovery today by phone or use the online scheduler for an appointment.