psychotic depression
Quick Summary
Psychotic depression is a severe form of depression that includes symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis is characterized by a disturbed sense of reality, often involving hallucinations (sensory perceptions not shared by others) and delusions (beliefs not credible to others).1
In psychotic depression, these psychotic symptoms occur alongside severe depressive symptoms such as profound sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep. This condition can be particularly debilitating and may require hospitalization due to the individual's inability to care for themselves or potential danger to themselves or others. Treatment often involves a combination of antidepressant medications and antipsychotic drugs, and sometimes psychotherapy.21
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