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Define Major Depression With Psychosis

The diagnostic criteria for major depression with psychosis is clarified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This type of depression is so severe that it can put a patient at higher risk of self-harm or suicide if left untreated.

  1. Major Depressive Disorder

    • Diagnosing major depression includes looking at symptoms of social isolation, chronic sadness, lack of energy, low self-esteem, low motivation and thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

    Severe with Psychotic Features

    • Specifying major depression as severe with psychotic features indicates that the patient is having some sort of psychotic symptoms, such as visual or auditory hallucinations.

    Mood-Congruent Psychotic Features

    • Specifying major depression with mood-congruent psychotic features describes a psychotic depression that includes delusions of excessive guilt, deserved punishment or health issues. Mood-congruent hallucinations may include hearing derogatory put-downs in the head.

    Mood-Incongruent Psychotic Features

    • Specifying major depression with mood-incongruent features describes a psychotic depression that includes delusions such as being able to read other people's minds, thinking that other people can hear one's thoughts or that someone else is controlling one's actions.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Treating psychotic depression is similar among the different types. Medication is the most effective method to control symptoms and may be necessary. Adding an antipsychotic medication to an antidepressant can be helpful.

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