Risk factors
The risk factors for the onset of a psychotic disorder may include:
- having a family history of a psychotic disorder or mental health illness
- experiencing stressful or traumatic events
- substance use
- major life changes
Causes
There is no single cause of psychotic disorders, but factors which influence the development of psychotic disorders include:
- Family history of psychotic disorders
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Physical illness or injury such as traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s and dementia, brain tumour, strokes
- Psychotic symptoms may be due to another mental health condition such as bipolar disorder
