Download Psychotic Disorders

Disability Services
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Severe mental disorders that cause abnormal
thinking and perceptions.
The two main symptoms include: delusions
and hallucinations.
◦ Delusions: False beliefs (such as thinking that
someone is plotting against you)
◦ Hallucinations: False perceptions (Hearing, seeing
or feeling something that isn’t there)
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Symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin
between the ages of 16 and 30.
◦ Men often develop symptoms at a younger age.
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There are 3 types of symptoms:
◦ Psychotic symptoms: distort a person’s thinking. They
include hallucinations, delusions, trouble organizing
thoughts and abnormal movements.
◦ “Negative” symptoms: make it difficult to show emotions
and function normally. An individual may seem
depressed and withdrawn.
◦ Cognitive symptoms: affect thought process. Symptoms
include difficulty using information, making decisions
and paying attention.
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The prevalence of schizophrenia is about 1.1
percent of the U.S. adult population (National
Institute of Mental Health)
Several factors can predict schizophrenia in up to
80% of youth who are at high risk of developing
it (NIMH).
◦ These factors include the following: isolating oneself and
withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual
thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of
psychosis.
◦ In young individuals who develop schizophrenia, this
stage of the disorder is called the "prodromal" period.
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Bipolar disorder typically occurs during the late
teenage years or early adulthood.
Half of all cases occur before age 25 (NIMH).
The prevalence of bipolar disorder is 2.6 percent
of the U.S. population.
Symptoms of the disorder come in two forms:
◦ Manic episodes: a period of feeling “high” or overly
happy, irritability, talking fast, having racing thoughts,
increased activities (starting new projects), not sleeping,
having unrealistic beliefs and engaging in high risk
behaviors.
◦ Depressive episodes: feeling sad or hopeless, loss of
interest in activities, tiredness, having problems
concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
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Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic or mixed
episodes that last at least seven days, or by
manic symptoms that are so severe that the
person needs immediate hospital care.
◦ Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically
lasting at least 2 weeks.
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Bipolar II Disorder: A pattern of depressive
episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no fullblown manic or mixed episodes.
Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and
antidepressants are used to treat bipolar
disorder.
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UTPA Counseling and Psychological Services:
◦ University Center 109
◦ (956) 665-2574/Email: [email protected]
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UTPA Disability Services:
◦ University Center 108
◦ (956) 665-7005/ Email: [email protected]
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800273-TALK (8255) (English and Spanish)
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Crisis Line
1-877-289-7199