Psychotic Depression

If an individual has a type of psychosis and are considered medically depressed, they could develop a condition identified as psychotic depression. Psychosis is a condition where an individual either loses a connection with reality or they have a distorted view of reality. Many that experience this suffer from hallucinations.

There are some that experience delusions when they suffer from psychosis. While this severe form of depression is considered to be rare overall, it has been established that approximately 25% of all individuals admitted to medical facilities for depression suffer from psychotic based depression. In this depression guide, you will learn many important facts pertaining to this type of depression. 

Symptoms 

There are many symptoms associated with psychotic depression. While the symptoms are similar to those that experience mild or clinical depression, there are symptoms that are distinct to this specific form of depression. The following represents the most common symptoms associated with this severe type of depression: 

• Many individuals that suffer from this condition may find that they see or hear things that are not real. Medical professionals refer to these observances as hallucinations.

• There are many who suffer from psychotic depression that suffers from thoughts and even a wide assortment of fears that are considered to be irrational. Medical professionals refer to these thoughts are delusions.  

• Paranoia is quite common among those suffering from this type of depression. Many will believe that others may be out to do harm to them or their belongings - even though this has no basis in reality. 

• Mood complications are quite common. Exhibiting high levels of agitation, irritability, and even extreme degrees of anger is quite common.  

• Many will experience anxiety or develop a secondary anxiety disorder such as agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or general anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are often quite common among those that suffer from psychotic depression.

• Many sufferers will suffer from sleep complications. Insomnia is the most common sleep complication. In many cases, the depressed individual will stay up throughout the night and most often sleep during the day.  

• Physical complications such as gastrointestinal complications and actual mobility issues may be experienced.  

• Mental complications such as hypochondria, cognitive impairment and other issues are commonly associated with individuals that suffer from psychotic depression.  

Treatment 

Individuals that suffer from psychotic depression most often benefit from clinical based treatments. There are a variety of different medications that are used to treat individuals that suffer from this severe form of depression.

The goal of the treatment is to stabilize the varying moods that the individual experiences. If the sufferer experiences hallucinations, medications will be used to treat that aspect of the condition. There are also medications that are provided to those that suffer from delusions.

The medications used for this form of depression include antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, and special neuroleptic medications. One on one counseling, group counseling sessions, and specialized therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy are also commonly used in the treatment of psychotic depression.