|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

Psychotic Depression Symptoms

Approximately 25 percent of depressed hospitalized people suffer from psychotic depression. Psychotic depression is believed to be caused by a thyroid gland that is functioning abnormally or an overproduction of cortisol hormone during especially stressful times of life. It can also be hereditary. Psychotic depression encompasses feelings of severe depression. This includes aspects of psychosis which could manifest into hallucinations, delusions and irrational behavior. Some feel that something is wrong with their outward appearance or physical body. They may display unreasonable anger. Or they may twist their lives around by spending their time in bed sleeping during the day and awake through the night. They may be neglectful about changing their clothes or bathing and paying attention to their appearance.

  1. The Danger of High Cortisol Levels and Psychotic Depression

    • A high level of cortisol in the blood system is considered to be one of the underlying reasons for psychotic depression. It is a necessary steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. Higher levels of cortisol are produced in the morning. They slowly taper off during the course of the day and level off around 4 p.m. Higher levels of cortisol are produced during more emotionally and physically stressful periods, also.

    The Inner Emotions of Psychotic Depression

    • Most people with diagnosed psychotic depression are typically aware that their fantasies and apparitions are not founded. It makes it more complicated to diagnose this because these sufferers try to hide their symptoms out of embarrassment. Low self-esteem is often at the root of the disorder which fosters disinterest in activities. Mood swings are common occurrences. The reoccurrence of psychotic depression increases the threat of bipolar depression, and the possibility of suicide is entertained by them.

    Physical Symptoms of Psychotic Depression

    • The physical symptoms of psychotic depression include: physical immobility, anxiety, constipation, intellectual impairment, insomnia, hypochondria and psychosis. A person may also have chronic sleeplessness. It is hard to diagnose it because it's difficult to get people with the disease to vocalize their issues. The symptoms are confused sometimes with schizophrenia. There can also be weight loss or gain, feelings of worthlessness and an inability to focus.

    Physical Treatment for Psychotic Depression

    • Hospitalization is recommended for an intense level of treatment. Medication, in the form of an antidepressant, or an antipsychotic drug is effective. Electro-convulsive treatment may also be used if the medications are not as successful. During the exam, the electrodes are put on the scalp of the patient and electric currents are applied. It controls the convulsions and helps with the release of a neurochemical in the brain. The side effect can be short term memory loss.

    Emotional Treatment for Psychotic Depression

    • Counseling sessions are also highly recommended and effective. The treatment for psychotic depression is typically effective. People have been known to recover within a year's time. However, it is imperative that there be consistent follow-up treatment for an ensured healthy psyche.

Depression - Related Articles