Factors of a psychotic disorder

It may be possible to predict who will develop psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, very early in the disease process.
The study found five factors that were often present prior to the diagnosis of a psychotic disorder in children who were already at high risk of such disorders.

These included a family history of schizophrenia with recent deterioration in functioning; higher levels of unusual thoughts; higher levels of suspicion or paranoia; greater social impairment; and a history of substance abuse.

When two or three of these factors were present, the odds of psychotic illness jumped. Two factors increased the likelihood of psychotic illness to 68 percent, and three factors combined raised the risk to 80 percent.

Not everybody who has early symptoms goes on to develop psychosis. But if we identify the group in which 80 percent will develop psychosis, the efforts of intervention would be best applied to those at highest risk.

Symptoms of psychosis are seen in numerous mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and with some forms of alcohol or drug abuse.

The two most common psychotic symptoms are delusions and hallucinations, according to AACAP. Delusions are false but firmly held beliefs. Hallucinations are false sensory perceptions, such as hearing voices when no one is talking.