What is psychotic depression?

A psychiatric evaluation and physical exam are done to diagnose psychotic depression. In this mood disorder, a depressed person experiences episodes of psychosis or losing touch with reality, such as delusions or hallucinations. A blood test and other lab tests may also be required to rule out other problems that can lead to psychosis, such as a negative reaction to medication.

Donna Hill Howes, RN
Family Practitioner

Psychotic depression is major depression with episodes of psychosis, in which you lose sense of reality. During such episodes, you may have beliefs that are untrue (delusions) or see or hear things that aren't there (hallucinations).

Antidepressants and antipsychotics are the medications used to treat psychotic depression. When medications don't help, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used.

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