Psychotic depression is a condition where symptoms of clinical depression are combined with hallucinations or delusions. Signs include neglect of personal hygiene, avoidance of others, explosive fits of anger, and conversations that make no sense. Treatment involves antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, and electroconvulsive therapy may be an option. It is critical to treat as those suffering from psychotic depression are at high risk of suicide.
Psychotic depression refers to a condition characterized by symptoms of clinical depression combined with hallucinations or delusions that conflict with reality. A person suffering from psychotic depression may see and hear things that are not there and suffer from irrational fear and suspicion. In severe cases, people with this disorder may be unable to self-care and be deemed dangerous.
Signs of psychotic depression can include neglect of personal hygiene, such as wearing the same clothes for days and not taking a bath. The patient may avoid others when suspicions take over thoughts of her. Explosive fits of anger or agitation are other common signs of the disease, along with conversations that make no sense to others.
The patient commonly shows signs of major depression. Sufferers of chronic depression may feel down for an extended period of time and feel helpless or hopeless. They usually get no pleasure from life and believe there is no solution to their problems. Symptoms of major depression also include changes in appetite and sleep patterns. People suffering from severe depression often turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate.
There is no definitive cause for major depression leading to psychotic depression outside of the medical conditions related to the illness. Some experts believe that a chemical imbalance in the brain contributes to the disease. Others point to heredity as a factor, and some psychologists believe that an inability to cope with distressing life events triggers the disorder. Some health professionals consider all three possibilities, or a combination of them, when making a diagnosis.
Psychosis can evolve from diseases such as Alzheimer’s that cause confusion in patients. A brain tumor or brain disease is also capable of causing symptoms that mimic psychotic depression, as can some prescription drugs. Doctors might also see signs of psychotic behavior when an addict is withdrawing from drugs or alcohol.
Treatment for this disorder generally involves antidepressant and antipsychotic medications over a long period. If a brain tumor is causing the condition, it can sometimes be treated with surgery. When medications alone don’t work, electroconvulsive therapy may be an option. Treatment is generally thought to be critical because those suffering from psychotic depression are at a high risk of suicide.
Psychotic depression might affect people with other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It has also been observed in patients with certain personality disorders. Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests that reveal abnormal hormone or electrolyte levels and brain scans.
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