Psychosis and Depression
Depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mental illness that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by persistently depressed mood or loos of interest in previously enjoyed pastimes, significantly interfering in an individual’s ability to function in his or her daily life. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) asserts “the word psychosis is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality.” When an individual with depression experiences consistent bouts of psychosis, it is referred to as psychotic depression.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Depression is highly prevalent in the United States. Depression can develop at any age, and although it can manifest as a single occurrence, it is more typical for individuals to experience multiple episodes. Though the symptoms and severity of symptoms that present during a depressive episode will be somewhat unique to each person, there are several symptoms that are widespread. These can include the following, as provided by the Mayo Clinic:
Loss of interest in most previously enjoyed activities
Sleep disturbances (e.g. sleeping too much or insomnia)
Irrational, angry outbursts
Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/ or hopelessness
Crying spells
Languid
Irritability
Anxiety
Agitation
Weight fluctuation
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Fixating on past failures
Slowed thinking, speaking and/ or body movements
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts
Unexplained physical problems (e.g. chronic headaches, back pain, etc.)
Experiencing sadness throughout one’s life is to be expected. Individuals with depression experience sadness differently, as they are unable to recover from an emotionally charged situation and/ or a depressed mood in an appropriate timeframe. Further some individuals may feel misery and/ or despondent without knowing why. The symptoms of depression can greatly interfere in all areas of one’s life.
PSYCHOTIC DEPRESSION
Psychotic depression is a mental illness housed under the larger category known as major depression. It occurs when an individual with severe depression also experiences some form of psychosis. An individual diagnosed with psychotic depression could experience a combination of the typical symptoms associated with depression in addition to delusions (e.g. experiences false ideas about reality) and/ or hallucinations (e.g. sees, hears, feels, smells, or tastes things that are not real.).
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.