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Roughly 25 percent 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. 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.
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