Like many mental health conditions, symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) exist on a spectrum of mild to severe. The number of symptoms can also vary, so it looks different from person to person. Severe symptoms can make it hard to work, socialize, or keep up with activities like preparing meals and bathing. 

One study found that about 12.5% of people with MDD also experienced hallucinations or delusions. These types of symptoms are collectively known as psychosis. People who experience depression with psychotic features tend to have more severe MDD symptoms. 

There’s been a stigma around mental health conditions in our society for a long time. Many people with MDD have a hard time talking about their feelings and asking for help. Psychosis can add a layer of difficulty. These individuals should be treated with compassion and acceptance when seeking treatment. Loved ones and care providers play an especially important role. With support, people with this condition can start to feel compassion and acceptance toward themselves. These attitudes are instrumental to their treatment process.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about what depression with psychotic features can look like and what treatment methods are most effective.

What symptoms are associated with depression with psychotic features?

People experiencing depression with psychotic features typically have several MDD symptoms, sometimes referred to as “psychotic depression.” These might include feelings of emptiness, worthlessness or guilt. They may have low energy or fatigue and physical symptoms such as changes in appetite or sleeping patterns. Psychosis involves either delusions or hallucinations. Delusions are firmly held beliefs that are not true. Hallucinations are sensory experiences of sights, sounds or feelings that aren’t real. Depression with psychotic features can also disrupt the brain’s control of motor functions or create a state of stupor. People who have MDD with psychosis have a higher risk of suicidality.

MDD symptoms can affect a person’s relationships and social life. For instance, people with MDD may be irritable or want to self-isolate. Those experiencing psychosis may have a harder time interacting with others because of their symptoms. Treatment can help them deal with negative emotions and learn to build supportive relationships. 

What treatments can help with depression with psychotic features?

Most people who have depression with psychotic features will need medication and psychotherapy. If they’re having any suicidal thoughts, resolving them is a high priority. Learning to identify and challenge negative thoughts is an important treatment goal. Building healthy coping skills is also critical. They may learn to create some distance between themselves and distressing thoughts or sensations. Nonjudgment and thought defusion are both skills that help with this. 

Comprehensive treatment programs usually include both medication management and different forms of therapy. At Lightfully, we provide group and family therapy sessions along with individual therapy. Our unique Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each client gets personalized treatments. We support both their short-term recovery process and their long-term goals.

These types of treatment help many people who have depression with psychotic features:

• Residential Treatment (RTC) — RTC provides a tranquil and comfortable home atmosphere. Clients have structured treatments during the day and nursing care at night. It’s a safe environment for people recovering from severe MDD with psychosis.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — In PHP, clients attend treatment five days a week and stay at home during nights and weekends. Clients who are more functional can reduce costs by commuting while still getting a high level of treatment.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — As their symptoms improve, people with depression and psychotic symptoms may step down to IOP. This program has fewer treatment days per week and shorter sessions. IOP allows clients to start returning to their life activities and applying what they’re learning.
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) — At Lightfully, we offer a virtual IOP option to assist with the final weeks of transitioning back to everyday routines. 

Lightfully helps people find relief from depression with psychotic features 

Finding treatment is especially difficult for people experiencing severe mental health symptoms. They need support and understanding from loved ones during this process. If you have a loved one who’s experiencing depression with psychotic features, they may need your help navigating their treatment options. Establishing trust with them and maintaining that trust is critically important. Our Admissions Concierge Team is here to help you prepare for an assessment and make all the necessary arrangements.

Are you seeking treatment for a loved one experiencing depression with psychotic features? We can help. Contact us today. Let’s talk about your options and how you can best support them.