What Is Severe Depressive Episode With Psychotic Symptoms
Published on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 at 5:59 pm and is filed under Mental Disorders
Symptoms of major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms
At the height of a severe depression appear delusions of self-accusation, hypochondriacal delusions of infection by some incurable disease and fear (or conviction of the infection) infected with the disease of relatives. The patient assumes the sins of all mankind, and believes he must atone for them sometimes at the cost of eternal life syndrome (Ahasuerus). His thoughts may demonstrate auditory, olfactory deceptions. As a result of these experiences retardation and depressive stupor occur.
Diagnosis of severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms:
1. Meets the criteria for major depressive episode.
2. Must have the following symptoms:
1) delusions (depressive delusions, delusions of self-accusation, hypochondriacal delusions, nihilistic or persecutory content);
2) auditory (voices accusing and insulting) and olfactory (smell of rotting) hallucinations;
3) depressive stupor.
When diagnosing it is noted whether additional psychotic symptoms include delusions of guilt, self-deprecation, physical illness, an impending disaster, mocking or condemning the mood or auditory hallucinations do not match. For example, there are a persecutory delusions or hallucinations without affective content.
Differential diagnosis
The main differential diagnosis is associated with a group of schizoaffective disorder. In fact, severe depressive episodes can be viewed as a manifestation of schizoaffective disorder. In addition, in affective disorders there are no first-rank symptoms characteristic to schizophrenia.
Treatment of major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms:
Treatment includes the use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, ECT and neuroleptics (stelazin, etaperazin, haloperidol) and benzodiazepines.
