Psychotic Depression Causes: Symptoms and Treatment Options for Severe Mood Disorders

Psychotic depression is a complex mental health condition that combines the symptoms of major depression with psychosis. People who suffer from this condition often experience delusions and hallucinations, making it extremely challenging to lead a normal life and take care of personal and professional responsibilities. Without proper treatment, psychotic depression can have devastating consequences for the patient and their loved ones.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with psychotic depression, it is important to understand the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and ways to support the person on their recovery journey. In our guide, we explain what psychotic depression is and provide valuable advice to help patients and their families.

What Is Psychotic Depression?

Psychotic depression, also known as depressive psychosis, is a subtype of major depressive disorder that occurs when a person is suffering from depression and psychosis at the same time. This means that in addition to the symptoms of depression—persistent sadness, lack of energy, and hopelessness—the individual experiences psychotic symptoms that make them lose touch with reality.

The condition of the person with psychotic depression may be misunderstood or misdiagnosed—this is why it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of psychotic depression and distinguish this disorder from other mental health issues.

Symptoms of Psychotic Depression

Here are the most common symptoms of psychotic depression you should look out for:

• Depressive symptoms—before a person develops psychosis, they may be showing signs of major depression: low mood, lack of interest in activities, poor concentration, insomnia or excessive sleep, guilty feelings, changes in appetite, and thoughts of self-harm.
• Delusions – the person may have false beliefs that have no basis in reality. For instance, they may be convinced they have a terminal physical illness or think their loved ones want to harm them.
• Hallucinations—it is possible to hallucinate with depression. The individual may hear, see, and smell things that are not there.
• Cognitive impairment—psychosis may affect the way the person thinks, talks, and moves. If you have noticed someone is struggling to form thoughts and seems confused when they speak to you, offer them your support.

Causes of Psychotic Depression

There is no single cause of psychotic depression—several factors may contribute to the development of this disorder:

• Genetics: If the person has a family history of depression or other mental health issues, they are at risk.
• Brain structure—in some cases, brain abnormalities make a person prone to depression and psychosis.
• Hormonal changes—when the hormonal levels in the body are fluctuating, it may lead to mental health problems. For example, women may suffer from postpartum depression after giving birth.
• Stressful events—sometimes environmental factors play a key role in a person’s depression. The death of a loved one, financial struggles, or a serious medical diagnosis may negatively impact the mental health of the individual.

Diagnosis of Psychotic Depression

Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose psychotic depression. If you have noticed the symptoms of this disorder in yourself or someone you know, reach out to a doctor or therapist to get their expertise on the matter.

The healthcare provider will carry out a physical examination and talk to the patient about their symptoms and medical history. In addition, the doctor may order lab tests to check the hormonal levels of the patient, as well as a brain MRI or CT scan to see whether a brain abnormality was a trigger for psychosis.

Treatment of Psychotic Depression

Fortunately, psychotic depression is a treatable condition—here are a few treatment options the doctor may suggest:

• Medication—Patients diagnosed with psychotic depression are typically prescribed antidepressants (to manage depression) and antipsychotics (to deal with psychosis). Make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions when you take medications—never adjust the dosage without first consulting the healthcare provider.
• Therapy—sessions with a therapist will be beneficial for a person with psychotic depression. A mental health professional will be able to address the negative thoughts of the patient, teach them how to cope with stress and triggers, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)—This therapeutic approach involves electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under general anesthesia. It has been found that ECT is effective for the treatment of major depression and psychosis.

Supporting Someone With Psychotic Depression

Here is what you can do to help a person with psychotic depression:

• Learn about psychotic depression—the patient will appreciate it when you take the time to research their diagnosis and understand their symptoms. This will also let you know what signs to look out for—for instance, if the person has stopped taking their medications, you may need to reach out to their doctor.
• Be there for the person—sometimes a sympathetic ear is all your loved one needs. Talk to them, offer your help, and remind them you are on their side.
• Encourage them to seek treatment—while you can be there for the individual in between their sessions with the therapist, keep in mind that only a certified professional can help them overcome this challenge.

Embracing Mental Well-Being With California Mental Health

We hope that our guide was helpful—whether you are struggling with psychotic depression or want to be there for a friend or a family member who was diagnosed with this disorder, understanding the symptoms and treatment of psychotic depression will be beneficial. Remember that this condition is treatable—with proper medications, therapy, and support, a person can overcome psychotic depression.

Reach out to California Mental Health to get the assistance you need. Our team of mental health professionals is here for you—send us a message, schedule a visit to our center, and let us help you on your recovery journey.