What is psychotic depression?

Question

What causes it and how do you know you have it? Has anyone ever had it? Is it similar to schizophrenia?

Answer 1

Psychotic major depression (PMD) is a type of depression that can include symptoms and treatments that are different from those of non-psychotic major depressive disorder (NPMD). PMD is estimated to affect about 0.4% of the population (or one in every 250 people). Many people with psychotic depression experience delusions, which are beliefs or feelings that are untrue or unsupported. PMD is sometimes mistaken for NPMD, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia and/or other psychotic disorders. Bipolar patients may experience PMD during depressed states. PMD is usually episodic, lasting for a defined amount of time, but in some cases can be chronic. PMD has unique biological features, which have led to innovative treatments. While PMD is often treated with a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics, researchers have been developing new treatments that address the pathophysiology of PMD more directly.

Answer 2

I had this a while back, lasted for about a week. All I can say is that I pretty much went insane, even I thought I had schizophrenia. I got so depressed that my mind... well to me it just felt like it sorta snapped. Scariest thing ever though. As much as you try and tell yourself it isnt real, it sure as h**l feels like it. Apparently my mum found me in the bath cutting a whole bunch of veins because I thought Id been bitten by a snake and needed to get the poison out. Feel free to send me a message, I'm happy to try and help if I can.

Answer 3

It is Major Depression with some psychotic symptoms as well.

Often the psychotic symptoms will revolve around the depression ie. the person may believe that they are dying of cancer or that there is something wrong with their body.

They truly believe this even though there is no evidence to support their beliefs, even when medical investigations prove there is no physical problems.

Treatment is usually a combination of antidepressant and anti-psychotic medication. Sometimes in serious cases ECT is used.

It is very different to schizophrenia but is probabaly just as common.