who have PTSD understand the source of their
symptoms and accept the circumstances of what
happened to them, though for others the trauma
is too great and symptoms are difficult to manage.
Risk Factors and Preventive MeasuresAnyone who experiences a traumatic event may
develop PTSD. There are no measures to identify
who is particularly susceptible or to prevent PTSD.
Early detection and initiation of treatment help
minimize the extent to which PTSD causes disrup-
tion in the person’s life.
See also ACUTE STRESS DISORDER; BRIEF REACTIVE
PSYCHOSIS.
psychosis Any of numerous psychiatric disor-
ders in which there is a complete break with real-
ity. A person who has a psychotic disorder
commonly experiences DELUSION (untrue belief)
and HALLUCINATION (untrue sensory perception)
and exhibits bizarre behavior in response. SCHIZO-
PHRENIA, MANIA, BIPOLAR DISORDER, DISSOCIATIVE DIS-
ORDER, OBSESSIVE–COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD), and
personality disorders are among the more com-
mon psychoses. Often, components of multiple
psychotic disorders coexist—that is, a person may
have some symptoms of a dissociative disorder,
some symptoms of OCD, and some symptoms of a
personality disorder.
The diagnostic path is often complex and gen-
erally begins with a comprehensive NEUROLOGIC
EXAMINATIONto rule out organic causes (such as
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE or BRAIN TUMOR) that could
cause the symptoms. Substance abuse and long-
term ALCOHOLISMmay also cause psychosis. Psy-
chotic disorders require treatment with
medications, often multiple medications in various
combinations that attempt to manage the range of
symptoms. PSYCHOTHERAPY in combination with
medications is sometimes more effective, though
this depends on the psychotic behaviors. Severe
psychotic disorders require intensive treatment in
an inpatient hospital setting. Psychotic disorders
are often chronic and difficult to treat, though
understanding of brain biochemistry continues to
evolve and result in new types of medications.
See also ANTIANXIETY MEDICATIONS; ANTIDEPRESSANT
MEDICATIONS; ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS; NEUROSIS;
PARANOIA.psychotherapy A collective term for the dozens
of treatment approaches based on interaction and
dialogue between a person and a mental health
professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist).
Pure psychotherapy does not involve the use of
medications; however, many people who are in
psychotherapy also take medications to mitigate
the symptoms of their conditions. Because many
psychiatric disorders and psychologic conditions
involve deeply rooted and complex issues, psy-
chotherapy tends to extend over months to years.
Some therapies specifically target narrow issues
for rapid results, such as BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
THERAPYand COGNITIVE THERAPY. The success of psy-
chotherapy depends on many factors.
See also ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY(ECT).psychotherapy 381