Psychotic depression is a variant of major depression that occurs when severe depression includes some form of psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions. Psychosis is not a permanent experience; it can be treated. It is important to talk with a healthcare professional right away if psychosis is suspected or occurring.
Psychosis may include a number of experiences, including:
- trouble thinking clearly;
- difficulty understanding what is real or not;
- suspiciousness and paranoia;
- withdrawal and isolation;
- unusual ideas or feelings;
- delusions and hallucinations, including seeing, hearing, smelling things that are not there.
Psychosis does not have one specific cause. An individual may experience psychosis as a symptom of a mental health condition, or result from substance use, medication side effect, or sleep deprivation.
