Psychotic Illness Without Acute Risk Issues
Psychotic illnesses are serious mental health conditions that affect how a person perceives reality. During an episode of psychosis, individuals may experience hallucinations, delusions, or disorganised thinking that can be deeply distressing both for the person affected and for their families. While psychotic disorders can be overwhelming, effective treatment and support can significantly improve quality of life and recovery outcomes.
At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, our psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors provide specialised inpatient and outpatient care for individuals experiencing psychotic illness. We combine evidence-based treatment with compassionate, patient-centred care to help patients stabilise, regain confidence, and rebuild their lives.
Types of Disorders Treated
Schizophrenia
Overview
Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition characterised by disturbances in thought, perception, emotions, and behaviour. Symptoms may include hallucinations (such as hearing voices), delusions (false beliefs), and difficulties with concentration, memory, and social interactions.
Causes
The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown but is believed to involve a combination of genetic vulnerability, brain chemistry, and environmental stressors such as trauma or drug use.
Prevalence in Australia
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 100 Australians during their lifetime, with most cases beginning in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Risk Factors
A family history of psychotic disorders, exposure to trauma, high stress environments, and cannabis or stimulant misuse may increase risk.
Treatment Options
Treatment usually involves antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support. At Sunshine Clinic, care may include inpatient stabilisation, outpatient programs such as CBT and DBT, and additional therapies such as creative arts, mindfulness, and music and movement therapy. Family involvement is encouraged to support long-term recovery.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Overview
Schizoaffective disorder combines symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disturbances, such as episodes of depression or mania. Individuals may experience hallucinations or delusions alongside significant mood changes.
Causes
Likely caused by overlapping genetic and environmental factors that influence both psychotic and mood disorders.
Prevalence in Australia
While less common than schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder is estimated to affect about 0.3% of the population.
Treatment Options
Treatment often combines antipsychotic medication with mood stabilisers or antidepressants. Sunshine Clinic provides integrated care to manage both the psychotic and mood components, with therapies such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness available through our structured day programs.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
Overview
Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term condition where psychotic symptoms appear suddenly, often in response to extreme stress, and usually resolve within a month.
Causes
Severe psychological stressors such as trauma, loss, or major life changes are common triggers.
Prevalence in Australia
Exact figures are unknown, but it is less common than schizophrenia. It often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Treatment Options
Treatment may include short-term use of antipsychotic medication, counselling, and supportive therapy. Sunshine Clinic offers both inpatient and outpatient care for those experiencing acute episodes, providing a safe environment for recovery.
Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Overview
This condition arises when the use of substances such as cannabis, amphetamines, hallucinogens, or alcohol triggers psychotic symptoms. These may resolve once the substance is cleared, but in some cases, symptoms persist.
Causes
Directly linked to drug or alcohol use, often in combination with other mental health vulnerabilities.
Prevalence in Australia
Substance-induced psychosis is a growing concern, particularly related to methamphetamine use. Studies suggest around one in three regular methamphetamine users may experience psychotic symptoms.
Risk Factors
Heavy or prolonged use of substances, family history of psychotic illness, and pre-existing mental health conditions.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on stabilisation, managing withdrawal, and long-term addiction therapy. Sunshine Clinic integrates addiction-focused programs with psychosis treatment, including inpatient detox support and outpatient programs like ACT and CBT.
Delusional Disorder
Overview
Delusional disorder is characterised by persistent false beliefs (delusions) that are not in line with reality, such as believing one is being followed or that a partner is unfaithful, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Unlike schizophrenia, hallucinations and disorganised thinking are less common.
Causes
The causes are unclear but may include genetic predisposition, neurological changes, and stress.
Prevalence in Australia
Delusional disorder is relatively rare, affecting about 0.02% of the population, though it may be underdiagnosed.
Treatment Options
Antipsychotic medication, counselling, and structured therapy programs can be effective. Sunshine Clinic offers outpatient and inpatient treatment tailored to the needs of individuals with delusional disorder, with a strong focus on supportive, non-judgemental care.
Why Choose Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital?
Psychotic illnesses can feel isolating and frightening, but with the right support, recovery is possible. At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, we provide:
- Specialist psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors with expertise in psychotic illnesses
- Inpatient programs for stabilisation in times of crisis
- Outpatient day programs that combine therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness
- Innovative treatments like rTMS for co-existing mood disorders
- A holistic care model including creative arts, movement, and family-focused support
Our hospital offers a safe and structured environment where patients and families can find reassurance, guidance, and hope. With the right care, people living with psychotic illnesses can stabilise, recover, and re-engage with life.
Comprehensive Private Mental Health Care in Melbourne’s West
Sunshine Clinic offers psychiatry consulting services, as well as inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.