Psychotic Disorder
Delusional Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-VI)
a delusional disorder involves situations that occur in real life and the
symptoms for Schizophrenia are not present. Despite these delusions there
is no marked impairment of behavior and does not seem odd or bizarre. People
with a delusional disorder may also experience tactile or olfactory
hallucinations.
A delusional disorder will be diagnosed if the delusions happen at the same
time as a hypomania or depressive episode and if the delusions do not occur
as a result of drug abuse, use of medication or general medical condition.
A psychiatrist will determine which sub-type of delusions experienced depending
upon there theme
Erotomanic Type: when someone of a higher status is believed to be in love
with them
Grandiose Type: when they have an inflated self worth, power, knowledge,
identity or special relationship with a deity or famous person
Jealous Type: when they believe that their sexual partner is unfaithful
Persecutory Type: when they believe that they, or someone they are close
to is being malevolently treated in some way.
Somatic Type: when they believe they have some physical defect or other medical
condition.
Mixed Type: when there is a combination of two more of the above delusions.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
To diagnose a Brief Psychotic Disorder symptoms of delusions, as described
above, hallucinations, incoherent speech or catatonic behavior, one or more
must be present According to the DSM-VI, a brief episode is defined as lasting
for at least a day but not more than a month.
If the symptoms are better described as a mood disorder with psychosis,
schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia and is not due to use of drugs or
other medical condition, Brief Psychotic Disorder will not be diagnosed.
Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
This psychotic disorder is caused by, induced, by the use of a substance,
alcohol or drugs and the symptoms are not present when the substance is not
present. According to the DSM IV symptoms include prominent hallucinations
or delusions, the symptoms began within a month of the substance use or
withdrawal. If no other delusional, psychotic or mood disorders can be diagnosed
in addition to the use of the specific substance this disorder will be diagnosed.
Submitted by Tanya P. |
