5 Signs of a Psychotic Disorder

You have probably heard of varied definitions of “psychosis” used casually, but have you ever heard of a psychotic disorder? Moreover, do you know the defining features of a psychotic disorder? Most people don’t! So, this article explains 5 signs of a psychotic disorder.

1. Delusions

Delusions are fixed beliefs that do not change, even when there’s evidence that goes against it. The most common type is a persecutory delusion — the belief that someone is out to get them. There’s also a grandiose delusion, where a person believes he/she is exceptional beyond everyone else. Do you know of someone who strongly believes that the world will end in 2020? That is an example of a nihilistic delusion, which is where they believe a major catastrophe will occur.

2. Hallucinations

People who perceive things that are not actually there may be experiencing a hallucination. This could be the belief that you see a person (when they are really not there), or hear voices (when there is no one talking). However, it’s important to note that experiencing hallucinations alone does not mean you have a psychotic disorder — it may be a common experience, especially in certain cultural contexts.

3. Disorganized thinking

Disorganized thinking is often referred from a person’s speech, and is reflected when a person constantly switches from one topic to another (derailment or loose associations). For example, someone could say, “Do you remember that time we went to the amusement park? …oh, I really want to study right now… maybe we should book a trip to Italy?” Another instance of disorganized thinking is derailment, where a person just goes on so many un-related tangents.

4. Grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behaviour (including Catatonia)

Disorganized behaviour can be manifested in many ways, like in unpredictable agitation. Catatonia is where a person has decreased reactivity to the environment; they could completely stop movement (called mutism and stupor), or excessively move with no purpose (called catatonic excitement).

5. Negative symptoms

No, I don’t mean that a person is negative emotionally —  it’s called negative because they lack that features the typical person may have. For example, a person may exhibit less goal-directed movements (called Avolition) or be less able to experience positive emotions from pleasurable things (called anhedonia). A person might also show less emotional expression by reducing facial contact, eye contact, or movements of the hands/arms that normally complement speech.

In sum, I have described 5 signs of a psychotic disorder as indicated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). I hoped to inform you of the theoretical basis of psychotic disorders. Do not diagnose yourself! Leave this to mental health professionals. If you need help finding resources, contact me by commenting below and I will be glad to direct you to them.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.