Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions characterized by a disconnection from reality, often involving hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that aren't there), delusions (fixed false beliefs), disorganized thinking, or abnormal behaviors. They vary in severity, duration, and causes, but all disrupt daily functioning. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) and ICD-11 classify them under schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Below are 10 key examples, though classifications can overlap or evolve with research.

1. Schizophrenia: A chronic disorder with positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal), and cognitive deficits. It typically emerges in late teens/early adulthood and requires lifelong management.
2. Schizoaffective Disorder: Combines schizophrenia symptoms with mood episodes (manic or depressive) from bipolar or major depression. Diagnosis requires mood symptoms to dominate for a significant period.
3. Schizophreniform Disorder: Similar to schizophrenia but lasts 1–6 months. If symptoms persist beyond 6 months, it may progress to schizophrenia.
4. Brief Psychotic Disorder: Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting less than 1 month, often triggered by stress (e.g., trauma, postpartum). Full recovery is common.
5. Delusional Disorder: Persistent delusions without prominent hallucinations or other schizophrenia features. Types include persecutory, grandiose, or jealous delusions; functioning may remain intact outside the delusion.
6. Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Part of the schizophrenia spectrum, featuring eccentric thinking, perceptual distortions, and social detachment. It's a personality disorder but includes mild psychotic-like traits.
7. Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Psychosis directly caused by drugs (e.g., amphetamines, cannabis, LSD), alcohol withdrawal, or medications. Symptoms resolve when the substance is removed.
8. Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: Psychosis from physical illnesses like brain tumors, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders (e.g., anti-NMDA encephalitis), or infections.
9. Catatonia: Not standalone but a specifier; involves motor immobility, mutism, or agitation. Can occur with schizophrenia, mood disorders, or medical conditions.
10. Shared Psychotic Disorder (Folie à Deux): Rare; one person induces delusions in another (often close relatives) via close contact. The secondary person improves when separated.

Diagnosis involves ruling out medical/substance causes via exams, imaging, and history. Treatments include antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone), therapy (CBT), and support. Early intervention improves outcomes; stigma often delays help. Consult a psychiatrist for personalized assessment psychosis affects ~3% of people lifetime