Psychotic depression

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Psychotic depression is one of the most severe forms of the general depressive diseases in which the person experiences moments of delusional or paranoid being. During such an episode, synesthesia may occur, including audio-visual hallucinations and erratic behavior. Psychotic depression is a chronic, cyclic condition. In general, the patient may have unremarkable general depressive episodes marked by moments of extreme psychosis. Suicide is most prevalent in patients affected by psychotic episodes. Increased stress and chemical abuse can initiate a psychotic episode.

• Suicidal thoughts
• Suicide attempts
• Audio and or visual hallucination
• Not feeling as you once did when well (feelings of insanity)
• Aggression
• Frustration
• Feelings of hopelessness

Most patients need aggressive treatment in hospital settings. This is mainly due to the suicide risk. Although the patient may suffer from audio and or visual hallucinations, it is not to be confused with schizophrenia as psychotic depression patients are aware that it is a hallucination they are having.

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