Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic Disorder services offered in Brooklyn, NY

If you’re seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or losing touch with reality, a psychotic disorder may be occurring.  In Brooklyn, New York, dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Mary Cahill, PMHNP, diagnoses and treats schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to help manage problematic symptoms. To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.

Psychotic Disorders Q&A

What are psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions that cause abnormal perceptions and thinking patterns. People with these conditions lose touch with reality, often struggling with hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (irrational beliefs). 

Examples include schizophrenia, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal (personality) disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder, and sometimes bipolar disorder or major depression with psychotic features.

What are the symptoms of psychotic disorders?

The symptoms of a psychotic disorder may include:

  • False beliefs
  • Hearing voices
  • Seeing things that aren’t there
  • Losing touch with reality 
  • Social withdrawal 
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Disorganized thinking or speech
  • Unusual or slowed body movements 
  • Agitation
  • Paranoia 
  • Emotional blunting

What are the risk factors for psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorder risk factors may include:

  • Family history of psychotic disorders
  • Extreme stress
  • Trauma
  • Stroke (post-stroke psychosis)
  • Problems during pregnancy or birth
  • Brain infections or tumors
  • Mind-altering drugs
  • Chemical imbalances in the brain

However, the specific cause isn’t clear. It could stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How are psychotic disorders diagnosed?

Mary completes a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5-TR criteria to establish if a psychotic disorder is present. If you’ve previously been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, she can confirm a diagnosis or help you better manage your condition. 

To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.