Question:
What Is Psychotic Depression?
Roughly 25% of people who are admitted to the hospital for depression suffer
from what's called psychotic depression. In addition to the symptoms of
depression, psychotic depression includes some features of psychosis -- like
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't really there) or
delusions (irrational thoughts and fears).
Answer:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/62/71507?src=Inktomi&condition=De... What Is Psychotic Depression?
Roughly 25% of people who are admitted to the hospital for depression suffer
from what's called psychotic depression. In addition to the symptoms of
depression, psychotic depression includes some features of psychosis -- like
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't really there) or
delusions (irrational thoughts and fears).
How Is Psychotic Depression Different Than Other Mental Illness?
While people with other mental illness, like schizophrenia, also experience
these symptoms, those with psychotic depression are usually aware that these
thoughts aren't true. They may be ashamed or embarrassed and try to hide
them, sometimes making this type of depression difficult to diagnose. Having
an episode of psychotic depression increases your risk of bipolar
depression, recurring episodes of psychotic depression, and suicide.
What Are the Symptoms of Psychotic Depression?
Symptoms that occur commonly in psychotically depressed patients include:
Anxiety
Agitation
Hypochondria
Insomnia
Physical immobility
Constipation
Intellectual impairment
Psychosis
How Is Psychotic Depression Treated?
Treatment for psychotic depression requires a longer hospital stay and close
follow-up by a mental health professional. Combinations of antidepressants
and antipsychotic medications have been most effective in easing symptoms.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also be used to treat psychotic
depression.
What Is the Outlook for People With Psychotic Depression?
Treatment is very effective for psychotic depression, and people are able to
recover, usually within a year, but continual medical follow-up may be
necessary. It is important, however, that a person experiencing these
symptoms be properly diagnosed because treatment is different than for other
major depressive illnesses and risk of suicide is greater.
