Psychotic depression - mental depression and psychosis

Psychotic Depression is an extreme form of depression in which depressed patients display irrational thought patterns and behaviour characteristics. In addition, they often exhibit paranoid tendencies and hear and see things which are not real. Approximately one quarter of all individuals diagnosed with depressive disorders suffer from psychotic depression.

Common symptoms of Psychotic Depression include the following:

• Extreme anxiety, mental distress and the inability to respond rationally to stressful situations.

• Disturbed sleep patterns, frightening dreams and insomnia.

• Hallucinations

• Delusions coupled with the sensation of having no control over ones thoughts.

• Paranoia and Hypochondria

• Possible symptoms of other somatoform or anxiety disorders.

• Psychomotor Retardation

The main problem with this severe form of mental depression is the fact that symptoms displayed by patients are not exclusive, and may also be seen in individuals suffering from other forms of neuropathy such as schizophrenia. Unlike schizophrenics however, those suffering from psychotic depression will more often than not be aware of the fact that their thought pattern and behaviour is not normal. This may cause them to feel frightened and despondent and thus avoid seeking treatment.

As is the case with other forms of depression, the exact causes of psychotic depression are not known. Research does however suggest that hereditary factors and a history of other depressive conditions such as bipolar disorder often play a role in susceptibility. In addition, abnormal levels of hormones in the bloodstream may also aggravate the onset of psychotic depression. This is particularly applicable in the case of new mothers, where fluctuating hormone levels may lead to a specific type of postpartum depression known postpartum psychosis.

Treatment of Psychotic Depression typically involves the use of antipsychotic and antidepressant medication combined with extensive psychotherapy. Electroconvulsive Therapy has also proved effective in the treatment of the disorder, but is generally only used as a last resort in instances where medication does not have the desired effect or cannot be used.

Individuals who are diagnosed with psychotic depression will need to be hospitalized and closely monitored due to the fact that psychotic depression is more debilitating than most other forms of depression and is more likely to lead to suicide attempts. In addition, in the event that treatment is successful patients will still need to be monitored on an ongoing basis due to the fact that the likelihood that symptoms may return is high.

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Psychotic depression - mental depression and psychosis

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