Understanding Psychotic Depression
When depression includes hallucinations or delusions — it's treatable.
What Is Psychotic Depression?
Psychotic depression is a severe form of major depression that includes psychotic features — typically hallucinations (hearing or seeing things) or delusions (fixed false beliefs).
It affects about 1 in 4 people hospitalised for depression.
How It Differs From Depression
All the symptoms of severe depression are present.
Additionally, experiencing hallucinations — often critical voices.
Delusions may involve guilt, poverty, illness, or punishment.
Greater impairment in daily functioning.
Higher risk of self-harm.
Often requires more intensive treatment than non-psychotic depression.
Treatment
A combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic medication is usually most effective.
ECT can be very effective and fast-acting for psychotic depression.
Hospitalisation may be needed during acute episodes.
Talking therapy once psychotic symptoms are controlled.
Recovery is very possible — most people respond well to treatment.
Continuing medication as advised reduces the risk of relapse.