What is Psychotic Disorders?
Psychotic disorders are a group of serious psychiatric conditions characterised by a break from reality — involving symptoms such as hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there), delusions (firmly held false beliefs) and disordered thinking. The most well-known psychotic disorder is schizophrenia, but psychosis can also occur in the context of bipolar disorder, severe depression, or as a result of substance misuse or medical conditions.
Psychotic disorders require specialist psychiatric assessment and ongoing management. With appropriate treatment — including antipsychotic medication and psychological support — many people make significant recovery and live independently.
Dr Sivasanker has extensive experience in the assessment and management of psychotic disorders, having trained in inner-city and specialist settings where these conditions are particularly prevalent.
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Request Appointment 020 3488 0809Signs & Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders
Hallucinations
Perceiving things that are not present — most commonly hearing voices (auditory hallucinations), but also visual, tactile or olfactory hallucinations.
Delusions
Firmly held false beliefs that are not amenable to reason — such as beliefs about persecution, special powers or grandiose identity.
Disorganised Thinking
Disjointed, incoherent thought processes that make communication difficult.
Negative Symptoms
Reduced emotional expression, social withdrawal, lack of motivation and diminished speech — sometimes as prominent as positive symptoms.
Agitation
Periods of heightened arousal, anxiety or agitation, particularly in acute psychotic episodes.
Functional Decline
Difficulty with self-care, maintaining relationships and employment is common without appropriate treatment and support.
Psychotic Disorders — Frequently Asked Questions
Psychosis is a symptom — the experience of hallucinations, delusions or disorganised thinking. Schizophrenia is one diagnosis in which psychosis occurs, but psychosis can also occur in bipolar disorder, severe depression, or substance misuse. A thorough assessment is needed to establish the underlying diagnosis.
Yes. While schizophrenia is a chronic condition, it is highly treatable. With appropriate antipsychotic medication and psychological support, the majority of people achieve significant symptom reduction and can live independent, fulfilling lives. Early treatment is associated with better outcomes.
No. The vast majority of people with psychotic disorders are not violent. The popular association between psychosis and violence is largely a media myth. People with psychotic disorders are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Stigma about mental illness can be extremely damaging.