SCHIZOPHRENIA AND PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

PSYCHOTIC DISORDER – PSYCHOSIS

Psychotic disorder is a general term for a group of illnesses in which a person loses contact with reality and experiences impaired judgment. These include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder (paranoid disorder), and shared psychotic disorder.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia is a type of thought disorder in which the distinction between what is real and what is not real becomes blurred. Not only thinking, but also emotions and behaviors are affected. The core symptoms include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (perceptions without external stimuli), disorganized or incoherent speech, bizarre behaviors, and emotional flattening. The prevalence in the general population is approximately 0.8–1%. The risk is higher in individuals who have first-degree relatives with schizophrenia. The illness usually begins between the ages of 20–25, although onset at 65 years of age is also possible. While there are various theories regarding its cause, schizophrenia is understood to result from a combination of biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological factors.

Treatment involves antipsychotic medications, as well as individualized psychotherapy and psychoeducation, which are essential. With regular treatment and family support, improvement can be observed in patients, and both the patient’s and family’s quality of life increases. Medical treatment must be continued lifelong. Treatment with alternative medicine or herbal remedies is not an option. Marriage for individuals with this condition is restricted by law. The commonly expressed belief that “marriage will cure it” is entirely a misconception; in fact, marriage may worsen the situation.

Psychiatrist Dr. Arzu Dalmış