Psychotic Disorders

Understanding Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders cause a person to lose some touch with reality, resulting in disturbances in thinking, emotions and behaviours. There are numerous disorders in which a person can experience psychosis, including schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, and drug withdrawal or intoxication.

About 1% of Canadians develop schizophrenia, with 3% of our population experiencing psychosis sometime in their lives – most commonly in their late teens or 20s. Although schizophrenia can be a long-term problem, it’s important to understand that most people who experience psychotic disorders can live in full recovery with proper treatment.

Learn more on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health website:


Contributing Sources: Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health First Aid Canada

If you, or someone you know, is having trouble knowing what’s real and what’s not, get help:

If the situation is NOT immediately critical, you have options:

As applicable, contact the person’s psychiatrist, family doctor (who can prescribe medications and make referrals) or your company’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Contact the free Ontario Mental Health Helpline for information and referrals to counselling services and supports in your community:

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