Key Takeaways
- Timely treatment for psychotic disorders — especially in the early stages of psychosis — can significantly improve outcomes.
- Treatment for a psychotic disorder will depend on the person’s diagnosis, strengths, and challenges. But it typically includes therapy, medication, family and community support, and hospitalization, if needed.
- If you or someone you care about is showing signs of a psychotic disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or psychiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation and ensure an accurate diagnosis to help shape your treatment plan.
Psychotic disorders are serious mental health conditions that are associated with repeated breaks with reality — also known as psychosis. These conditions can cause hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or smelling things that aren’t there) and delusions (objectively false beliefs). These psychotic symptoms can be difficult to control without support.
Some of the most common psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder with psychosis. While there’s no cure for these conditions, there are effective treatments that can help manage them and significantly reduce these breaks from reality.
However, the outlook for people with psychotic disorders varies considerably and is often influenced by how long it takes for them to receive psychiatric care. A 2020 study found that up to approximately 74% of people with psychotic disorders will experience an improvement in their symptoms and functioning during their lives. The study’s authors suggest that a person’s prognosis can be affected by their specific diagnosis, their location and access to treatment, and for how long their psychosis goes untreated.
Why early action matters for psychosis prevention
Like most mental health concerns, early detection can be a powerful tool for reducing the impact of psychosis. While it isn’t always possible to prevent a psychotic disorder from taking hold, accessing treatment in the early stages of the condition can:
- Help prevent relapse
- Reduce the risk of hospitalization
- Reduce the severity of symptoms
- Improved access to and engagement with treatment
- Improve outcomes overall
If someone you care about is showing signs of a possible psychotic disorder, early intervention can significantly improve their outcomes. Left untreated, psychosis can lead to:
- Worsening symptoms
- Permanent brain changes
- Difficulty with tasks like going to school, working, maintaining relationships, and living independently
- Risky behavior that could be harmful to oneself or others
- Increased risk of self-harm and suicidality*
*A note on safety: Psychotic disorders carry an increased risk of suicidality, and even people experiencing first-episode psychosis can be unsafe. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone. Their counselors will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you or a loved one safe.
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Most effective treatments for psychotic disorders
The exact psychotic disorder treatment a person receives will vary based on their diagnosis, symptoms, goals, strengths, and challenges. However, some of the most effective interventions for these conditions include:
- Hospitalization: According to national nonprofit Mental Health America, most people with mental health concerns don’t ever require hospitalization. However, of the people who do, about half are diagnosed with schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder. This statistic underscores the importance of achieving stabilization and prioritizing safety (if needed) before a person with a psychotic disorder accesses other forms of care.
- Therapy: Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be modified to help people experiencing psychosis. Often referred to as CBTp, this type of therapy encourages people to reframe their thoughts and behaviors to make psychosis less upsetting. For example, instead of fixating on a hallucination or delusion, CBTp can help someone change the way they respond to these experiences.
- Medication: Antipsychotic medications are frequently used to treat psychotic disorders. Other medications can also be helpful if co-occurring conditions, like depression, are present. You can always talk to your provider about whether medication might be right for you.
- Family and community support: Sometimes, experiencing psychosis can be an isolating experience. So having support from caring friends, loved ones, and community groups can help a person feel less alone. There are even family-specific interventions designed to help families support their loved one as they recover from psychosis.
First steps to a psychotic disorder treatment plan
If you’re concerned that you or someone you care about might have a psychotic disorder, know that you’re not alone and help is available. While these are serious mental health conditions, they can be managed with the right support.
The first step in getting a psychotic disorder treatment plan is to seek an evaluation from a mental health professional like a therapist or psychiatrist. This provider will take time to get to know you and your symptoms (or your loved one’s symptoms). They’ll also want to review your social, medical, and mental health history.
Your provider will use this information to make an evaluation and formal diagnosis. They may also assess you for other mental health concerns if you’re having symptoms that may indicate that you have a co-occurring condition. Throughout this experience, know that your needs and preferences matter. Asking questions and being actively involved in your care can help support your recovery.
When someone is resistant to seeking treatment, my go-to is first building trust with a client. Second, I use a technique called motivational interviewing where we focus on what a client is wanting and what may be keeping them from this. Most often, we are able to trace back some of their discontentment to psychosis, which motivates them to seek help.
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Left untreated, psychotic disorders can significantly affect a person’s health and well-being. They can impact a person’s ability to work, go to school, care for themselves, and live independently. But fortunately, with early detection and ongoing support, people can find relief from psychosis, manage other psychotic symptoms, and live full, balanced lives.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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