What Is Psychosis? An Introduction to the Psychotic Mood Disorder

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality. It is a severe mental illness that affects an individual's perception of reality, emotions, and behavior. Psychotic disorders can be disabling and can significantly impair an individual's ability to function in their daily lives.

The term "psychosis" encompasses a range of mental health disorders. These include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, a major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and substance-induced psychotic disorder.

Types of Psychotic Mood Disorders

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood and can lead to a lifetime of disability. People with schizophrenia often experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and other symptoms that make it difficult for them to function in their daily lives.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental illness that is characterized by a combination of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms. People with schizoaffective disorder experience episodes of psychosis, which can include delusions and hallucinations, as well as episodes of mood disturbance, such as depression or mania.

Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. Some individuals with bipolar disorder may experience psychotic symptoms during their manic or depressive episodes, such as delusions or hallucinations.

Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features

Major depressive disorder is a mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Some individuals with the major depressive disorder may experience psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations.

Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder

The substance-induced psychotic disorder is a mental illness that occurs as a result of substance abuse or withdrawal. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. The substance-induced psychotic disorder is usually temporary and resolves once the substance abuse or withdrawal is treated.

Causes of Psychotic Mood Disorders

The causes of psychotic mood disorders are not fully understood. However, researchers believe that these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors.

Genetic Factors

There is evidence to suggest that certain genetic factors may increase an individual's risk of developing a psychotic mood disorder. For example, studies have found that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of developing these conditions themselves.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, and substance abuse, may also contribute to the development of psychotic mood disorders. For example, individuals who experience significant stress or trauma may be more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. Substance abuse, particularly the use of drugs like marijuana or hallucinogens, can also trigger psychotic symptoms.

Biological Factors

Changes in brain chemistry or structure may also play a role in the development of psychotic mood disorders. For example, research has shown that individuals with schizophrenia have abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, in their brains. Additionally, studies have found that there are structural differences in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia compared to those without the condition.

Symptoms of Psychotic Mood Disorders

The symptoms of psychotic mood disorders can vary depending on the type of condition and the individual. However, common symptoms of these conditions include:

Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, an individual with schizophrenia may believe that they are being watched or that someone is trying to harm them.

Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that are not based in reality. For example, an individual with schizophrenia may hear voices that are not there or see things that are not present.

Disorganized speech or behavior: Difficulty speaking or organizing thoughts in a coherent manner, or engaging in behaviors that are unusual or bizarre.

Disturbed mood: Mood disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, or mania, can be present in individuals with psychotic mood disorders.

Social withdrawal: People with psychotic mood disorders may become isolated and avoid social interactions due to their symptoms.

Cognitive difficulties: Psychotic mood disorders can also cause cognitive impairments, such as difficulty with memory, attention, and decision-making.