Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Forms of depression

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Major depression with psychotic features

Alternative Names: Psychotic depression; Delusional depression Treatment: Treatment generally involves antidepressant and antipsychotic medication. The antipsychotics are sometimes given briefly. Electroconvulsive therapy is very effective for this condition, but it is generally a second-line treatment. Expectations (prognosis): Text Continues Below The presence of psychotic features in depression reflects a more serious condition. Generally, the depressive symptoms have a higher chance of returning than the psychotic symptoms. Patients may need to take medication for a long time to prevent depression from returning. Ongoing treatment and monitoring give the patient the best chance of recovery and doing well on an ongoing basis. Complications: Suicide or other self-harm is the most serious complication. Patients may need to be hospitalized if they have thoughts of suicide. The safety of others must also be considered. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you or someone you know experiences depression or psychosis.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.