As a mental health professional with extensive experience in the field, I have encountered a wide range of mental illnesses that include psychosis as a symptom. Psychosis is a serious mental health condition that affects a person's perception of reality, leading to hallucinations and delusions. It is important to note that psychosis is not a mental illness in itself but rather a symptom that can occur in various mental health disorders. Here is a detailed overview of some mental illnesses that may include psychosis:


1. Schizophrenia: This is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imagined. They may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and speech, and a lack of motivation and emotional expression.


2. Schizophreniform Disorder: This is similar to schizophrenia but the symptoms last for at least one month but less than six months. It is often a precursor to a diagnosis of schizophrenia if the symptoms persist.


3. Bipolar Disorder: Also known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, individuals may experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.


4. Schizoaffective Disorder: This disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms from both schizophrenia and a mood disorder. Individuals with schizoaffective disorder experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, as well as significant mood disturbances.


5. Depression with Psychotic Features: Major depressive disorder can sometimes include psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations that are consistent with the depressed mood. For example, a person might have delusions of guilt or worthlessness.


6. Drug-Induced Psychosis: The use of certain drugs, including stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, psychedelics like LSD, or even prescription medications, can cause temporary psychotic symptoms. The symptoms usually resolve once the substance is cleared from the body.

7.
Organic Psychosis: This type of psychosis is caused by an underlying physical condition, such as a brain tumor, injury, or neurological disorder. The symptoms are a direct result of the brain dysfunction caused by the physical condition.

8.
Brief Psychotic Disorder: This is a short-term condition that involves the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms that last for at least one day but less than one month. The symptoms are severe and can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.

9.
Delusional Disorder: Also known as paranoid disorder, this is a mental illness characterized by the presence of one or more non-bizarre delusions that persist for at least one month. Unlike schizophrenia, individuals with delusional disorder do not typically experience hallucinations or disorganized thinking.

It is crucial to understand that the symptoms and length of the illness can vary greatly from person to person. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing these conditions effectively. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support services to help individuals lead a fulfilling life despite their mental health challenges.

read more >>

The symptoms and length of the illness vary from person to person.Schizophreniform disorder. ... Bipolar illness. ... Schizoaffective disorder. ... Depression with psychotic features. ... Drug-induced psychosis. ... Organic psychosis. ... Brief psychotic disorder. ... Delusional disorder.read more >>