The 5 differences between psychosis and schizophrenia

These two concepts used in psychiatry and clinical psychology can become confused.

The symptoms of psychosis, such as those found in schizophreniaThe symptoms of psychosis, such as those found in schizophrenia, are particularly striking within the broad range of mental disorders: hallucinations or delusions fit perfectly with many people's idea of psychopathology.

The terms "psychosis" and "schizophrenia" are often used interchangeably. However, there are clear conceptual differences between them, there are clear conceptual differences between themIn this article we will see what they consist of and we will clarify what their relation is.

What is psychosis?

It is known as "psychosis" to a series of symptoms related to the loss of contact with reality.. It is often associated with disturbances in thinking and behavior, including verbal, leading to disturbances in many areas of functioning.

The term was first used in 1841 by the German psychiatrist Karl Friedrich Canstatt. It comes from Latin and can be translated as "disturbance of the soul" or "of the mind". Initially it included schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and was used in opposition to the term "schizophrenia". was used in opposition to the concept of "neurosis", which is stillwhich is still common today.

The experiences encompassed by the concept of psychosis are many and varied. Hallucinations, delusions and catatonia (a state of psychogenic immobility) are three of the most characteristic psychotic manifestations, but they do not always occur in pathological contexts; for example, hypnagogic hallucinations, which sometimes appear just before we fall asleep, are formally equivalent to psychosis.

Psychotic symptoms can have very different causes.. As in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or dementia, they are usually the result of the conjunction of psychosocial stress with brain alterations, or with the excessive consumption of certain substances and drugs, including alcohol and amphetamines.

On the other hand, psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, schizoaffective, delusional, schizophreniform, brief psychotic disorder, catatonia, and psychoses induced by disease and substance use.

Definition of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disorder included in the group of psychotic disorders.It is the most representative and well known of these disorders. Its cardinal symptoms are psychotic, such as disorganized thinking or the presence of delusions and hallucinations.

It is a disorder that frequently generates social maladjustment and favors the development of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. depression, anxiety and substance abuse.. In many cases it is chronic and is managed by very powerful antipsychotic drugs, often requiring hospitalization.

The symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into positive and negative.. Positive symptoms are related to altered mental functions, such as hallucinations, while negative symptoms are emotional, motivational or social deficits, among others.

The DSM-IV manual divides schizophrenia into five types: paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual.. This classification is based on the predominant symptoms and the course of the disorder. DSM-5 eliminated the distinction between subtypes of schizophrenia.

To diagnose schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized language, catatonia or negative symptoms must have been present continuously for at least 6 months. In addition, these symptoms must cause personal, social or occupational difficulties, and cannot be directly due to an illness or the use of drugs or medication..

Differences between psychosis and schizophrenia

In summary we can say that "psychosis" and "schizophrenia" are two closely related concepts, but schizophrenia is a mental disorder with specific diagnostic criteria while psychosis is a group of symptoms that can occur because of schizophrenia or for other reasons.

Below you will find 5 keys that will help you to differentiate psychosis and schizophrenia..

1. One includes the other

Schizophrenia is a disorder that causes multiple symptoms, among which psychotic symptoms stand out, although they are not the only ones: for example, anxiety and depression are also very frequent, anxiety and depression are also very frequent in the context of schizophrenia. in the context of schizophrenia.

For its part, psychosis encompasses schizophrenia if we understand the term "psychosis" as equivalent to "psychotic disorder". This is usually the case when we refer to this group of disorders as "the psychoses".

2. Psychosis does not always imply schizophrenia

Psychotic-type experiences are relatively frequent in certain settings, such as the use of hallucinogenic substances or brain damage due to dementia. Thus, it is not necessary to meet the criteria for schizophrenia to be able to speak of the existence of a psychosis, especially if it is a brief episode.

3. The presence of psychopathology

When they occur as a consequence of schizophrenia or other more or less similar disorders, such as psychotic depression or schizoaffective disorder, psychotic symptoms are considered a key indicator of psychopathology. In affective disorders or dementia, psychotic symptoms are associated with increasing severity or progression of the disorder.

However, psychotic symptoms do not always imply increased severityThe following is a brief summary: persons diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, have a better prognosis than those in whom negative symptoms predominate.

4. Duration of symptoms

The duration of psychotic manifestations varies greatly, from drug-induced episodes of a few seconds or minutes to schizophrenia, which is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. requires that the symptoms be maintained for at least 6 months.. At an intermediate point is the brief psychotic disorder, which has a maximum duration of one month.

5. Psychosis has multiple causes

Although the brain alterations inherent to schizophrenia can provoke psychotic experiences, these can also be due to other psychological causes. may also be due to other psychological and Biological causes.. These include severe stress and fatigue, depression, brain injury and substance abuse.