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 can be added to the above first-line antipsychotic medication treatment.
