Psychotic Depression Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Psychotic Depression Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Depression Types Print An Overview of Psychotic Depression By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 28, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 10, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Tom Merton / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Prevalence and Risk Factors Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping View All Some people with severe depression  also experience psychosis in addition to the usual symptoms of depression, such as depressed mood, appetite changes, and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Psychosis is a condition in which a person begins to see and/or hear things that arent really there (hallucinations) or experience false ideas about reality (delusions). There may also be disorganized or disordered thinking. When psychosis occurs alongside depression, it is called psychotic depression.?? Prevalence and Risk Factors It is estimated that about 3% to 11% of all people will experience severe depression during their lifetime. Of those who experience severe clinical depression, about 14.7% to 18.5% will develop depression with psychotic features.?? This type of depression also appears to become more common as people age. It is, however, impossible to predict who exactly might be prone to psychotic depression, as not enough is known about the conditions causes. In addition, the definitions and measurement tools for depression are always changing, meaning that these statistics are always shifting. From what we know now, some of the factors that may make you more prone to depression, in general, include:?? Having a parent or sibling with depression. A propensity toward depression, especially severe depression, tends to run in families. If you have a parent or sibling who has had depression, you are more likely to develop it yourself.Being a woman. Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression; about two-thirds of those who develop severe depression are women.Having a difficult childhood. People who experienced adversity as children are more predisposed to depression. Symptoms A person with psychotic depression will, first of all, experience a combination of depression symptoms, potentially including: Depressed moodDiminished interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyedSignificant changes in weight and appetiteSleep difficultiesFatigue or lack of energyFeelings of worthlessness or guiltInability to concentrateThoughts of death or suicide In addition to the above symptoms, people with psychotic depression will also experience delusions and/or hallucinations. People with other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, may also experience psychosis.?? In the cases of psychotic depression, the hallucinations and delusions that people experience are depressive and tend to focus on themes of hopelessness and failure. Psychosis associated with schizophrenia, however, features impossible or bizarre themes that are disjointed and not connected to mood or affective states.   Psychosis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments Causes One theory is that a particular combination of genes must be inherited in order for a person to develop psychotic depression. Certain genes might be responsible for depression symptoms while others might be responsible for the psychotic symptoms, making it possible for an individual to inherit a genetic vulnerability to depression, psychosis, or both. This theory would explain why not all people with depression develop psychosis. Another theory is that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol could be involved. High levels of cortisol are often found in people with depression.?? Diagnosis At present, psychotic depression is not considered a separate illness. Instead, it is considered to be a sub-type of major depressive disorder. In order to be diagnosed with psychotic depression, officially known as major depressive disorder with psychotic features, a person must first meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for major depressive disorder. In addition, the person must exhibit signs of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. The diagnosis of psychotic depression usually involves a medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and family history. An evaluation by a physician might also include testing to rule out other potential causes of the patients psychotic symptoms, such as drugs, another medical condition, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.?? While the DSM-5 lists psychotic depression as a subtype of major depression, it does not indicate that this type of depression is any more severe than other subtypes. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), on the other hand, classifies psychotic depression as the most severe form of major depressive disorder.   In order to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, you must experience at least five depressive symptoms for a minimum of two weeks. Such symptoms include low mood, loss of pleasure or interest, irritability, appetite changes, and changes in sleep.   A diagnosis of psychotic depression also includes experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, in addition to the depressive symptoms. Treatment Psychotic depression is usually treated in a hospital, using antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are usually considered a first-line treatment. Common choices include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Research has found that the combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs is more effective than using either medication on its own.?? When depression symptoms are severe or when first-line options are ineffective, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to bring about rapid relief. Ongoing treatment will include medications to prevent a recurrence of symptoms. Find Support With the 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression Coping Psychosis can make functioning difficult since people experience distortions in reality. Because psychotic symptoms can increase the risk of accidental or intentional self-harm, it is important to receive appropriate treatment from a qualified health professional. Prognosis can depend on how soon someone receives treatment for psychotic depression. The longer it takes for treatment, the more likely it is that an individual may need emergency medical services.   One study found that 86% of people with first-episode psychotic depression achieve syndromal recovery, but only 35% recovered functionally. A large number of individuals (41%) had their diagnosis changed to bipolar disorder or a schizoaffective disorder.??   Researchers suggest that psychotic depression is understudied, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.?? Combination medication treatments and ECT have been shown to be effective, but further research is needed to establish how long antipsychotic medications need to be taken. The best way to cope is to talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of depression or suspect that you may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Once you have been treated and stabilized, be sure to stick to your doctors advice and continue taking your medication in order to prevent future relapse. A Word From Verywell Psychotic depression can be frightening, but effective treatments are available. Fortunately, the prognosis for recovery is good with appropriate treatment. With treatment, you can find relief from symptoms of depression and psychosis and feel more like your regular self. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are considering harming yourself, call 911 immediately or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. How to Help Someone With Depression