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Learn more about psychotic disorders
Psychotic disorders are a group of mental health conditions involving a significant break from shared reality, most commonly characterised by hallucinations (perceiving things that others do not, most often voices), delusions (fixed beliefs that are not supported by evidence and persist despite contradiction), and disorganised thinking or behaviour. Recognised in the DSM-5, the group includes schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, and schizophreniform disorder. Psychosis can also occur as part of bipolar disorder, severe depression, or as a result of substance use. Psychotic disorders are not caused by character weakness and are not the same as having a violent or unpredictable personality; they are recognised clinical conditions that respond to treatment.
Psychotic symptoms can emerge gradually or more suddenly, and vary in form and intensity between individuals.
Positive symptoms (experiences added to ordinary perception)
- Hearing, seeing, or sensing things that others do not perceive (hallucinations)
- Holding beliefs that are clearly false but feel completely real and are not responsive to evidence (delusions)
- Disorganised or fragmented speech and thinking that is difficult to follow
- Unusual or unpredictable behaviour
Negative symptoms (experiences that are reduced or absent)
- Flat or reduced emotional expression
- Reduced motivation or ability to initiate activity
- Social withdrawal and diminished speech
- Difficulty experiencing pleasure
Psychotic disorders are treated with a combination of psychiatric and psychological support. Medication is typically central to acute management; psychological therapy plays a key role in recovery and relapse prevention.
- Psychiatry Psychiatric assessment and management is central to the treatment of psychotic disorders, including the prescription and monitoring of antipsychotic medication and the coordination of care.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) CBT adapted for psychosis (CBTp) helps people understand and develop a different relationship with their psychotic experiences, reducing distress and improving daily functioning alongside medication.
- Family therapy Family therapy supports relatives and close carers in understanding the condition, improving communication, and reducing the relational stress that can contribute to relapse.
- Clinical psychology Clinical psychologists assess, formulate, and deliver psychological interventions tailored to the individual's specific presentation, often working alongside a psychiatrist in a coordinated plan.
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Finding a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in psychotic disorders requires a more specific search than a general therapist directory provides. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right practitioners for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
Get matched with a practitioner who specialises in psychotic disorders, or browse the directory.
