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Psychotic Depression Anxiety Disorder

Psychotic depression is a cyclic condition that causes periods of paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. Suicides or suicide attempts are more frequent in those who experience psychotic episodes (a loss of reality), according to Information on Depression.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of psychotic depression disorder include, agitation, hypochondria, anxiety, insomnia, constipation, cognitive impairment, psychosis and physical immobility.

    Causes

    • The causes of psychotic depression may include drug side effects, heredity or HIV, but most commonly the disorder is related to an abnormal thyroid function. It is frequently associated with high levels of cortisol, a hormone released during stress, according to Healthy Place.

    Diagnosis

    • Psychotic depression is diagnosed by physical examination, psychiatric evaluation and laboratory tests.

    Treatment

    • Medications used to treat psychotic depression often include a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics. MedicineNet indicates that a lengthy stay in the hospital may be necessary with follow-up care by a mental health professional.

    Prognosis

    • Psychotic depression anxiety disorder responds to the treatments available but may take as much as a year for recovery. In addition, ongoing care may be needed to keep the condition under control.

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