Psychotic depression
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
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.
Common Side effects of PD include:
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 PD patients are aware that it is a hallucination they are having.