Adult & Child Psychological Wellness Clinic
Singapore Psychiatrist
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Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic Disorders (Psychosis: e.g. Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder) & At-Risk Mental State
It is often very frightening to the person when the person has strange or bizarre experiences (symptoms – see below) out of the blue.
Sometimes prior to experiencing these symptoms, the person might be having “At-Risk Mental State (ARMS)” which puts the person at a higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder later in life. During the “ARMS” period, the person might experience anxiety, depression, fleeting strange/bizarre experiences and/or have a unique personality.
It is important to seek early and regular psychiatric monitoring at this stage.
A person may be suffering from a Psychotic Disorder if the following symptoms are present.
Symptoms of Psychosis:
- Hearing non-verifiable voices
- Feeling that people around them are trying to harm them
- Having disorganized behaviour/speech and etc.
There is also significant impairment in social, academic and/or occupational functioning ability.
There are several types of psychotic disorders, of which, Schizophrenia is one of them. About 1 in 100 people suffer from Schizophrenia, which affects male and female equally. Depression and anxiety can co-exist with a psychotic disorder.
Causes of Psychosis:
There are various possible causes. These include genetics, brain biochemical (e.g. dopamine) imbalance, gross brain pathology, drugs and other medical causes.
Treatment of Psychosis:
Medication - antipsychotic medications are the most effective treatment to treat a psychotic disorder.
There are various effective antipsychotic medications available which generally can be classified under First or Second-generation antipsychotic medications. They come in various forms e.g. tablet, oro-dispersible, syrup and injectable-depot preparations. With early, appropriate and regular medication treatment, psychosis can be adequately managed and the person continues to lead a meaningful life.
Psychological therapy may be added to the above first-line antipsychotic medication treatment.