What Is Major Depression With Psychotic?

Major depression is a prevalent and serious mood disorder that rarely involves hallucinations or delusions. When delusions and/or hallucinations do accompany depression, the illness is described as "major depression with psychotic features."

Common Symptoms

• Major depression is a persistent state of depressed mood which interferes with everyday life. Symptoms include loss of interest in daily activities, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Psychotic Features

• Though uncommon, it is possible for a depressed person to lose contact with reality. When this happens, the descriptor "with psychotic features" is added to the diagnosis. The two most common psychotic features are delusions and hallucinations.

Delusions

• Delusions are false beliefs which are firmly held despite strong evidence to the contrary. Delusions involving guilt or worthlessness are most common with depression: for example, "He got sick because I'm an immoral/inadequate person." Widely held cultural beliefs are not included in this category.

Hallucinations

• Hallucinations are sensory perceptions which occur in the absence of external stimulus, such as hearing a voice when no one has spoken or seeing something that isn't there. A depressed person who is hallucinating might hear voices calling her names or listing off her perceived faults.

Risks

• Major depression with psychotic features carries with it an increased risk of harm to the patient and those near him. Since the word "psychotic" carries with it a cultural stigma, it can be especially difficult for the patient and his loved ones when such a diagnosis is made. Recognizing the severity of the illness and getting treatment are of vital importance.