Psychotic Disorders and Associated Dysfunctional Behaviours

Psychotic disorders’ is a generic psychiatric term for mental states in which the components of rational thought and perception are severely impaired. Persons experiencing a psychosis may experience hallucinations, paranoid delusions, demonstrate personality changes and exhibit disorganised thinking. Psychotic disorders are often accompanied by lack of insight into the unusual or bizarre nature of such behaviour, difficulties with social interaction and impairments in carrying out day-to-day activities.

Associated dysfunctional behaviours include psychopathy, personality disorders and behaviours in the neurotic spectrum or impulse control disorders. Tests such as the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE) provide a uniform approach for assessing definite, probable or negative diagnosis for personality disorders.