PSYCHOTIC
DISORDERS
SCHIZOPHRENIA & DELUSIONAL DISORDER
On the other hand, Delusional Disorder is a mental illness where patients experience non-bizarre delusions, which are persistent false beliefs, that involve real-life situations that could potentially be true but aren’t, such as being followed, poisoned, infected, loved at a distance, or deceived by a spouse or lover. Unlike schizophrenia, hallucinations and cognitive impairments are not prominent features. The etiology of Delusional Disorder remains unclear; its management typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Both disorders significantly impact individuals’ capabilities to discern reality, leading to profound challenges in lifestyle and relationships. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are essential for managing these complex conditions.
SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER
Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, combined with mood disorder symptoms, including severe depression or mania. This complex disorder leads individuals to experience a blend of schizophrenia’s psychotic symptoms along with mood disturbances, setting it apart from related conditions.
With schizoaffective disorder, individuals might go through periods of severe symptoms followed by times of improvement. The exact cause of the disorder is unclear; however, a combination of genetic factors, brain chemistry, and environmental stressors may contribute to its development.