Overview of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are among the most disabling conditions and constitute a major public health problem. Described throughout recorded time, they affect as many as 5% of the population and cause a disproportionate amount of suffering and loss to society. In the chapter on schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, the DSM-5 lists delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, as well as categories for substance- or medically induced psychotic disorders. The term psychosis indicates that the individual has a severe inability to interpret the surrounding environment in a realistic way. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and bizarre behavior. Psychotic disorders are associated with premature death, mostly attributable to suicide. The pathophysiology and etiology of psychotic disorders are only now beginning to be understood, and treatment for these conditions remains suboptimal. Researchers are currently refining the cause of these symptoms and developing more effective treatments.   This review contains 3 tables, and 34 references. Key words: Brief psychotic disorder, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder