Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, involve disruptions in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. These conditions are often misunderstood and stigmatized, but they are medical illnesses that respond to treatment. Psychosis involves losing touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things others don't), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking. While these symptoms can be frightening, with proper treatment, many people with psychotic disorders lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Understanding Psychotic Symptoms

Positive symptoms add to normal experience and include hallucinations (most commonly hearing voices), delusions (fixed false beliefs such as being followed or having special powers), disorganized speech and thinking, and unusual or agitated behavior. Negative symptoms take away from normal functioning and include reduced emotional expression, decreased motivation and interest in activities, social withdrawal, and difficulty with planning and carrying out tasks. Cognitive symptoms affect thinking and include problems with attention, memory, and executive functions like planning and decision-making.

Schizophrenia typically develops in late teens to early thirties and involves chronic symptoms that significantly impact functioning. Schizoaffective disorder includes psychotic symptoms along with major mood episodes (depression or mania). Brief psychotic disorder involves a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting less than a month, often triggered by severe stress. These conditions are caused by complex interactions of genetic, brain chemistry, and environmental factors.

Our Comprehensive Treatment

Treatment for psychotic disorders requires a comprehensive, long-term approach. We begin with a thorough evaluation to accurately diagnose your condition and understand your specific symptoms, functioning level, and support system. Medication is the cornerstone of treatment—antipsychotic medications can significantly reduce or eliminate hallucinations and delusions, improve thinking, and help prevent relapse. We carefully select and monitor medications to maximize benefit while minimizing side effects.

Beyond medication, we provide ongoing support and education for both patients and families. Understanding the illness, recognizing early warning signs of relapse, and maintaining treatment adherence are crucial for long-term stability. We coordinate with therapists, case managers, and other providers to ensure you have comprehensive support. We help you develop strategies for managing symptoms, maintaining wellness, and working toward your personal goals—whether that's returning to work or school, living independently, or building meaningful relationships.

Hope and Recovery Are Possible

A diagnosis of a psychotic disorder can feel overwhelming, but it's important to know that recovery is possible. With consistent treatment and support, many people with these conditions achieve stability, pursue their goals, and live fulfilling lives. Early intervention and continuous treatment significantly improve long-term outcomes. If you or a loved one is experiencing psychotic symptoms, we're here to provide expert, compassionate care without judgment. Reach out today to discuss how we can help you on the path to recovery and wellness.