Psychotic depression is a subtype ofmajor depressive disorder (MDD).
It is also referred to as MDD with psychotic features.
The hallmark symptoms of psychosis are hallucinations and delusions.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of psychotic depression.
Psychosisrefers to the experience of losing touch with reality.
Psychosis can also occur with certain medications, substance use, or other health problems.
Hallucinations or delusions were not part of the diagnosis.
It considers psychotic depression to be a subtype ofmajor depressive disorderwhen symptoms of psychosis are present.
Psychotic depression affects approximately four out of 1,000 people in the general population.
The rates of psychotic depression are significantly higher in people with MDD.
The rate of people with psychotic depression is likely higher than currently reflected in studies.
Symptoms
Symptoms ofMDDcan vary from person to person and range from mild to severe.
They may include:
A person experiencing psychotic depression has the classic symptoms of MDD and also hashallucinationsand/ordelusions.
People with psychotic depression are at an increased risk of self-harm and of suicidal thoughts and actions.
Early intervention is important to help keep a person with psychotic depression safe.
Psychosis Without Depression
Psychosis can occur withoutmood disorderssuch as depression.
It also is accompanied by other symptoms and functional difficulties.
Causes
It isn’t known exactly what causesdepression, including what causes psychotic depression.
Depression is incredibly multifaceted and can affect anyone.
This makes it difficult to pinpoint exact causes of MDD.
Instead, research focuses on correlations instead of causation.
Right now, the risk factors for MDD are applied as risk factors for psychotic depression.
This may change as psychotic depression is studied further.
Referrals
Psychotic depression can be difficult to diagnose and may be missed by a general healthcare provider.
A referral to a mental health specialist may be needed for a diagnosis, treatment, or both.
Misdiagnosis
Psychotic depression is often misdiagnosed.
In the study, psychotic depression was most commonly misdiagnosed as a different mood disorder.
People with MDD often don’t report psychotic symptoms or they minimize them.
Further investigation may be needed.
Why Is the Science on Psychotic Depression Often Unclear?
Studying psychotic depression accurately can be a challenge.
Treatment
It is rare for psychotic depression to resolve without treatment.
Treatment for psychotic depression typically involves medication and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), electrical stimulation of the brain.
It is sometimes used in combination with other types of therapies and medications.
Some new psychotherapies are showing promise for treating psychotic depression.
It is performed under general anesthesia.
ECT is considered a safe and effective treatment for psychotic depression.
It may take up to eight weeks to see a response to these medications with psychotic depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does psychotic depression differ from schizophrenia?
Schizophreniais a psychotic disorder, while psychotic depression is a mood disorder.
Schizophrenia is a stand-alone condition, while psychotic depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder.
Is psychotic depression manageable?
Psychotic depression is often debilitating for the people experiencing it and those around them.
Thankfully, treatment is available, such as medications and/or electroconvulsive therapy.
How do you know if youre having a nervous breakdown?
In terms of major depressive disorder, symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, can occur.
When this happens, it is called MDD with psychotic features, or psychotic depression.
Are you disabled if you have psychotic depression?
Thankfully, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and often achieve remission.
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