ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on illnesses where psychosis is the primary problem. It explores psychosis in the context of a mood disorder, and focuses on psychosis in the context of a substance abuse disorder. Psychotic disorders can occur in conjunction with substances. A psychotic disorder is identified only if the symptoms are greater than what typically occur with the known substance. Psychosis can also occur in the midst of a mood disorder such as major depression with psychotic symptoms or bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms. The primary distinction between schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia is the time the symptoms have been present. A person is first diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder when the psychotic symptoms have been present for 1 month but fewer than 6 months. Early supportive therapeutic interventions for schizophrenia should include psychoeducation. It is important to carefully consider the differences between bipolar disorder with psychotic features and schizophrenia.
