PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
Severe and chronic psychiatric conditions characterized by disturbances in thought and perception. While medication is central, psychotherapy is critical for long-term recovery and quality of life.
1. SCHIZOPHRENIA
Overview
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behaviour. It involves episodes of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, along with negative symptoms and cognitive impairments that significantly affect functioning. While pharmacological treatment is central to symptom stabilization, psychosocial and psychotherapeutic interventions are critical for long-term recovery, functional improvement, and relapse prevention.
Additional Facts
- Onset typically in late adolescence to early adulthood
- Course is variable—episodic or chronic
- Significant functional impairment without treatment
- High caregiver burden and social stigma
Signs and Symptoms
- Hallucinations (commonly auditory)
- Delusions (paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre beliefs)
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Disorganized or abnormal behaviour
- Blunted or flat affect
- Avolition (reduced motivation)
- Alogia (reduced speech)
- Anhedonia (reduced ability to experience pleasure)
- Social withdrawal
- Impaired attention and concentration
- Memory deficits
- Executive dysfunction (planning, decision-making)
- Decline in occupational, academic, and social functioning
- Poor self-care and daily living skills
When to Seek Help?
Early intervention is associated with significantly better prognosis. Immediate professional evaluation is essential if:
- There are hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized behaviour
- There is marked decline in functioning
- The individual shows social withdrawal, poor self-care, or confusion
- There is risk to self or others
Treatment Approach (Psychotherapy-Focused)
Foundational component for patients and families. Enhances understanding of illness, course, and relapse risk while improving treatment adherence.
Structured, evidence-based intervention targeting distress from hallucinations and delusions. Focuses on reality testing and cognitive restructuring.
Strong evidence for relapse prevention. Focuses on reducing expressed emotion (criticism, hostility) and improving communication.
Targets deficits in communication, interpersonal functioning, and assertiveness through modelling, role-play, and reinforcement.
Addresses cognitive deficits in attention, memory, and executive function to improve functional outcomes in daily life.
Focus on reintegration into work and community roles through vocational training and structured rehabilitation programs.
Builds therapeutic alliance, enhances coping, and addresses stigma, identity, and illness-related distress.
Identification of early warning signs and development of response plans to maintain routine and stress management.
Multidisciplinary, outreach-based care (Assertive Community Treatment) useful for severe or treatment-resistant cases.
Do you need Emergency Psychiatric Care?
Call @ 084210 25285
At Disha Neuropsychiatry Centre, we provide immediate psychiatric assistance in times of crisis. Our compassionate team is here to offer prompt and effective care.