Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders – brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder – are characterised by psychotic symptoms, and often by negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.
- Psychotic symptoms include:
- Delusions;
- Hallucinations;
- Disorganised thinking and speech; and
- Bizarre and inappropriate motor behaviour (including catatonia).
- Negative symptoms:
- These are a decrease in or lack of normal emotions and behaviours.
- For example, individuals may lack motivation and their face may not express emotions.
- Cognitive dysfunction:
- This refers to problems with thinking (cognition), such as being able to focus one’s attention, remember things, have self-control, and think flexibly.
Diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders are based on symptoms and the course of the specific illness.
Types of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
Mental Health Matters 