There are several types of psychotic disorders, many of which have a few symptoms in common. One of the most widespread traits of psychotic patients tends to be delusions, which are false beliefs the patient vehemently asserts are true despite evidence to the contrary. Hallucinations also are common among psychotic patients, causing them to see, hear or smell things that are not actually present. Other psychotic features include odd behavior, such as loss of interest in regular activities or personal hygiene, usually as a result of confused thinking.
Many psychotic patients insist that certain beliefs are true, even when they receive proof that those beliefs are actually false. Such delusions often make patients appear paranoid, because few other people agree with or even understand their often illogical beliefs. Some delusions may be possible but unlikely, such as a patient's belief that the police have him under surveillance. They also can be impossible, such as the belief that the patient has traveled through time. Some doctors classify primary delusions as those that are sudden and which patients have no reason to believe, while secondary delusions are those rooted in the patient's history or upbringing and often taken from religious or superstitious beliefs.
Another trait of psychotic patients is the tendency to hallucinate, or claim something is present when it is not. Many people think hallucinations are limited to seeing people or hearing voices, but they can take any form involving the five senses. For example, some patients smell so-called phantom scents, taste flavors that are not there, or feel something touching their skin when nothing is present. While many people experiencing hallucinations find them disturbing and also exhibit other types of psychotic behavior, not everyone who hallucinates is bothered by the issue or could be categorized as psychotic. This is because hallucinations also can be caused by drug use, neurological issues and sleep deprivation.
Psychotic patients generally exhibit confused thinking, which may lead to bizarre behavior that does not make sense to others. For instance, patients may stop taking care of their hygiene, leading them to look unclean or become unhealthy. When psychosis comes on suddenly, patients may stop completing normal activities, such as going to work regularly, socializing or enjoying hobbies. They also may have mood swings and a detached attitude that makes them appear cold, gradually pushing others away. Their behavior may even turn dangerous for themselves or others, which is why it is important for psychotic patients to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.