What is Psychotic Depression?

It’s fair to say that “depression” is an overused term these days. At the same time, considering how dangerous the disorder can be, it’s better to play it safe. Take the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) seriously, educate yourself on the topic, and learn about a sub-form of MDD called psychotic depression.

Psychotic depression is a variation that causes people to not only endure intense depression but also lose touch with reality via hallucinations, delusions, and more. For context, MDD is common, and about 20 percent of adults with this diagnosis will also experience psychotic symptoms. Needless to say, it’s not to be taken lightly.

Symptoms  of Major Depressive Disorder

The criteria for an MDD diagnosis involve the continuous presence of specific symptoms for at least two consecutive weeks. This includes, of course, feelings of relentless sadness. But other red flags are:

• Feeling hopeless and pessimistic about your life and the world in general
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt
• Frequent angry outbursts
• No longer interested in activities that once excited you
• Loss of executive function, e.g., concentration, decision-making, unable to keep up with work or school, etc.
• Physical symptoms like sluggish movements and speech, fatigue, appetite swings, sleep disturbances, and unexplained aches and pains
• Thoughts of death, self-harm, and suicide

The above signs and behaviors typically result in tangential symptoms like emotional numbness, neglecting personal hygiene, and social isolation

Symptoms of Psychotic Depression

The following symptoms are present in addition to those listed above:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Difficulty with discerning between reality and one’s inner world

How is Psychotic Depression Diagnosed?

Once someone has been diagnosed with MDD, it’s not as easy as it may appear to confirm the presence of psychotic depression. You see, someone with psychotic depression is apt to not reveal these symptoms. They know what’s happening, and they also know how such signs might be perceived by others. Thus, they choose to struggle in silence rather than face the potential stigma.

Talk therapy is vital in such situations. It creates a safe space in which a person can talk openly with a professional without risking judgment.

Self-Care For Psychotic Depression

It will come as no surprise that psychotic depression is not meant to be tackled alone or purely with self-help steps. However, lifestyle changes are imperative and can dramatically increase the effectiveness of the depression treatment protocol you’re following.

It is highly recommended that people with MDD and/or psychotic depression introduce elements like this into their daily lives:

• Commit to healthy eating and drinking choices
• Follow a daily routine of exercise and physical activity
• Get yourself settled into a very regular sleep routine
• Cultivate stress management and relaxation techniques
• Resist the urge to isolate and withdraw; stay connected with trusted loved ones

Getting Treated For Psychotic Depression

The above steps can run concurrently with the treatment plan suggested by your therapist. This plan typically involves modalities like talk therapy, which can serve as your foundation. It’s the method by which you can feel validated about what you’re experiencing. A parallel form of treatment will likely involve medication. Every case is different, and psychotic depression treatment will usually include a combination of antipsychotics and antidepressants. You/re advised to be an active participant in these decisions and in staying on top of dosage, side effects, and more.

In rare instances where medication and therapy are not yielding the desired results, alternative options will be discussed. For example, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) might be considered.

Simply put, both MDD and psychotic depression are severe conditions that must be swiftly addressed and treated. If you or someone you know is displaying the symptoms listed above, I invite you to reach out very soon.