PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Is an uncommon but severe condition which accounts for approximately 1 percent of the population.
Psychosis is a prominent feature of Schizophrenia.
Psychosis is when a person is not in touch with reality.
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition and is associated with Positive and Negative Symptoms.
Positive Symptoms:
Hallucinations: Typically hear but may also see things that are not there.
Delusions: fixed, firm, false belief.
Abnormal behaviour
Negative symptoms:
Disinterest
Lack of motivation
Expressionless
There are varying degrees of permanent impairment in cognitive and other important areas of normal functioning.
Even when there is compliance on treatment the chances of leading a normal life are poor.
BRIEF PSYCHOTIC DISORDER
The work "brief" refers to the duration of psychotic symptoms which do not last long i.e. from just a day to a month.
This condition is typically precipitated by stress in vulnerable individuals.
It is not a common condition.
It defers from Schizophrenia in that the individual will recover completely.
DELUSIONAL DISORDERS
As the title of this condition suggests it is the presence of one or more delusions for a prolonged period of time.
This is also not a common condition.