There are various types of psychotic disorders such as paranoid disorders that include delusional disorder, shared psychotic disorders and brief psychotic disorder. These disorders are characterized by the experience of delusions marked by impaired contact with reality but without the bizarreness, fragmentation and severe personality, behavior and thought disintegration.

Delusional disorder: Also known as paranoia, this disorder is marked by intense delusions.

Shared psychotic disorder: This is also known as folie a deux and develops among two members of the same family who experience constant, interconnecting delusional ideas.

Brief psychotic disorder: This comprises of brief episodes that last for a month or less.

Diagnosis:

It is usually very difficult to diagnose a psychotic disorder as it is not always possible to determine the truth or falseness of an idea. These disorders usually emerge out of a defense projection that is created in the sub-conscious of the affected individual in which he/she tends to put the blame for personal negativities, failures and undesirable traits on others. Over a period of time these ideas begin taking the shape of beliefs and change into a psychotic disorder.

Symptoms of Psychotic disorders:

There are various delusions themes around which the individuality of the patient is centered such as persecutory, grandeur, somatic, jealous and mixed. A psychotic individual usually feels left out or taken advantage of on a number of occasions. He/she may be suspicious of others and doubt the loyalty of friends, colleagues and relatives. These individuals often come up with strong notions that they have enemies who are trying to plot against them or even attempting to kill them.

Persecutory themes tend to be the most persistent followed by themes of grandeur. These individuals have an inflated ego and feel that they are superior to others. They believe that they are involved in bringing about certain social and political reforms or remarkable inventions etc. these individuals often feel that they should only be associated with people with tremendous power and high status such as celebrities, politicians etc. They often feel that they have been appointed by the Almighty to save the world and may try to impose their ideas and beliefs on others. Psychotic individuals behave, talk and carry themselves in a normal manner.

Treatment of Psychotic disorders:

There is no sure shot cure for psychotic disorders. If you suspect a friend or relative has symptoms of any of these disorders, you must consult a professional mental health care expert such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker. A combination of medications and psychotherapy may be used to treat these disorders. Medication is usually provided to treat the associated symptoms such as depression and anxiety.