Understanding Psychotic Depression and its Symptoms

Psychotic depression is a mental health condition and a subtype of major depression. The condition may cause hallucinations and delusional thinking and affect the overall well-being of an individual. Studies have shown that this mental health condition is diagnosed in every 4th person hospitalised for depression. Read on to understand psychotic depression and its symptoms and causes.

What is Psychotic Depression?

Psychotic depression is a major depressive disorder (MDD) in which a person exhibits symptoms of depression along with some additional symptoms, such as hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.

Symptoms

Some major symptoms of psychotic depression are:

• Having hallucinations and delusions

• Feeling restless

• Unable to sleep well at night

• Getting angry for no reason

• Neglecting daily routine

• Having hypochondria or illness anxiety disorder

• Unable to think normally

• Unable to concentrate on anything

• Psychomotor impairment, or slowed movements, thoughts and feelings

• Changes in appetite and digestion issues, such as constipation

• Frequent thoughts of suicide

A person with psychotic depression may also live in an unrealistic world and think in a different way. The following are some examples:

• They may think they have a serious medical condition despite normal test reports

• They may believe they have special powers

• They may hear voices and feel that others can hear their thoughts

• They may see, smell or taste things that are not there

• They may feel that something or someone evil is controlling them or trying to harm them

• They may feel that they have committed a crime or are to be blamed for something

Causes

Some possible causes of psychotic depression are listed below.

• Brain chemicals

Studies have shown that high levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can lead to psychotic depression. Also, imbalances of serotonin and dopamine in the brain can cause psychosis and depression.

• Family history or genetics

Having a parent or sibling with psychotic depression may increase your risk of developing the condition.

• Environmental factors

Experiencing a trauma or unpleasant event in childhood can lead to psychotic depression.

• Other factors

Some other factors that may cause psychotic depression or increase the risk are major hormonal changes in the body, getting diagnosed with a serious health condition, facing financial woes for a long time, etc. Also, older adults are more likely to suffer from this condition.