Psychotic Disorder Disabilities - Which Are the Major Four?

After a person suffers from a psychotic disorder, some kind of disability remains. The disability may appear as a direct result of the disorder itself or as a side effect of the medication. Every person reacts differently to a psychotic disorder, but the disability does not have to be permanent. The majority of disabilities following psychosis are a result of emotional injury.

1. Lack of Motivation. A person who has experienced a psychotic disorder may lack the energy to perform daily activities. Simple self-care such as shaving, let alone more complicated tasks like shopping and/or paying bills, may become almost impossible. The person does not have the energy to do all those actions.

2. Joy of Life. A person who has experienced a psychotic disorder often feels like a zombie, with no desire to carry out tasks. If he is not told to do something, it will not be done. The person rarely smiles and does not enjoy simple experiences. If he watches a movie, he will not enjoy it. He will lose his patience watching television while channel surfing or staring blankly at the screen. He will feel like an outsider.

3. Sexual Disability. As a result of a psychotic disorder and usually as a result of the side effects of the medication, inter alia, he will lose interest in sex. Even if the person engages in sexual activity, he has a hard time reaching satisfaction or the level of satisfaction he reaches is much lower than it would have been but for the psychosis and/or medication. It is very important to be aware of these physical events and to update the treating doctor and sometimes to consider food additives or even changing medication. In any event, this must only be done after consultation with the treating doctor.

4. Side Effects. Psychiatric medicines are chemical substances put into the body. Every medicine has side effects, even if they are not felt. The most common side effects are increased appetite and weight gain, apathy, lack of sexual desire, shivering, and drooling. Some medicines, after extended use, may cause diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart diseases, or obesity. It is important to be sensitive to any change, to have regular checkups, with blood tests, blood pressure and liver test, sugar level tests, and EKG. If side effects are felt, consult the treating doctor. In any case, despite the side effects, it the effectiveness of the medication against psychosis effects outweighs the possible damage.