Having a family history of psychotic disorders increases the risk of developing one.
Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, are thought to play a role in the development of psychotic disorders.
Differences in brain structure, such as enlarged ventricles or abnormal activity in certain brain regions, have been observed in individuals with psychotic disorders.
Stressful life events, trauma, substance abuse, and exposure to certain infections during prenatal or early developmental stages may contribute to the development of psychotic disorders.