How Is Psychotic Depression Different From Just Depression?

Summary

This video delves into the distinctions between depression and its subtype, psychotic depression disorder. It clarifies depression's definition and symptoms, which include sadness, melancholia, and somatic changes, and contrasts them with psychotic depression, characterized by additional psychosis. The script discusses the impact of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, and differentiates it from schizophrenia. It emphasizes the importance of professional help, highlighting treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, and stresses the role of support in managing depressive disorders.

Takeaways

• 😔 Depression is a negative emotional state that can severely disrupt daily life, often accompanied by somatic, cognitive, and social changes.
• 🌂 Depressive disorders are a subset of depression, with clinical depression and persistent depressive disorder being common examples.
• 🏥 Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depression where individuals may experience psychosis, characterized by difficulty distinguishing reality from hallucinations or delusions.
• 🧠 Psychosis is an abnormal mental state that can lead to serious impairments in perception, cognition, and emotional response.
• 🌐 The experience of psychosis is not specific to psychotic depression and can manifest in various mental health conditions.
• 👥 Approximately 3% of the population may experience psychosis, and it can be triggered by a mix of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors.
• 🚨 Key differences between psychotic depression and schizophrenia include the awareness of the unreality of hallucinations in the former.
• 🏃‍♂️ Psychomotor agitation and retardation are specific symptoms of psychotic depression, reflecting agitation or slowed movements and thoughts.
• ⚠️ The suicide rate during the acute phase of psychotic depression is significantly higher than in major depression, emphasizing the importance of professional help.
• 💊 Treatment for psychotic depression can include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, but support and empathy are also crucial components of recovery.
• 🤝 It's essential to reach out to a licensed professional for assessment and treatment if experiencing out-of-character changes or if you know someone who might be struggling with depression.

Q & A

What is the definition of depression according to the American Psychological Association?

Depression is a negative emotional state that ranges from unhappiness and discontent to extreme feelings of sadness, melancholia, pessimism, and despondency. These feelings are disruptive and often interfere with everyday life.

What are some common somatic, cognitive, and social changes that occur during a depressive episode?

Some common changes include changes in sleeping habits, appetite changes, lack of energy or motivation, difficulty focusing or making choices, and withdrawal from social settings.

How is depressive disorder different from depression?

Depressive disorders refer to any mood disorder that typically has sadness as a predominant symptom. They fall under the larger umbrella of depression, which is a more general term for a negative emotional state.

What are some examples of disorders that fall under depressive disorders?

Examples include clinical depression (major depression), persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, mania, and hypomania.

What is psychotic depression and how does it differ from major depression?

Psychotic depression is a form of major depression where individuals may also experience psychosis, which is an abnormal mental state that makes it difficult to identify reality, often manifesting in delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.

What is the difference between psychosis and psychotic depression?

Psychosis is a symptom characterized by an abnormal mental state that makes it difficult to identify reality, whereas psychotic depression is a subtype of depression where individuals experience both depressive symptoms and psychosis.

How does the experience of psychosis in psychotic depression differ from that in schizophrenia?

People with schizophrenia believe their hallucinations or delusions are real, whereas people with psychotic depression know that their hallucinations are not real.

What are some behavioral warnings that may indicate the presence of psychosis?

Behavioral warnings include paranoia, uneasiness around others, trouble thinking clearly, unusual or overly intense ideas, lack of feelings, decline in self-care or personal hygiene, sleep disruptions, difficulty separating reality and fantasy, and confused speech.

What factors are believed to contribute to the development of psychosis?

Psychosis can be caused by a mix of genetic factors, differences in brain development, and exposure to stressors or trauma.

What are some treatment options for psychotic depression?

Treatment options for psychotic depression include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and support from a licensed professional. It's important to consult with a professional for a proper treatment plan.

Why is it important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychotic depression?

The suicide rate in people with psychotic depression during their acute phase is much higher than with major depression. Seeking help from a licensed professional can provide proper diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for managing the condition.

Outlines

00:00

🌧️ Understanding Depression and Psychotic Depression

This paragraph introduces the topic of depression, distinguishing it from its subtype, psychotic depression disorder. It explains that depression is a broad term encompassing various mood disorders characterized by sadness, and that depressive disorders are a subset of this category. The paragraph outlines the symptoms of major depression as described by psychologist Anthony D. Smith, such as depressed mood, sleep changes, and suicidal thoughts. It then transitions into discussing psychotic depression, which is characterized by the presence of psychosis in addition to depressive symptoms. Psychosis is defined as an abnormal mental state that distorts reality, often manifesting as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. The paragraph also touches on the experience of psychosis as shared by an individual named Jessica, highlighting the disconnection from reality that can occur. It concludes by emphasizing that psychosis is a symptom rather than an illness itself, affecting approximately 3% of the population according to Theresa Ian of Mental Health America.

05:00

🏥 Treatment and Support for Psychotic Depression

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of psychotic depression, noting that its onset is often triggered by stressful or traumatic events and may have genetic components. It highlights the importance of seeking professional help for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. The paragraph underscores the significance of support and empathy in aiding recovery, suggesting that social support can be as crucial as medical interventions. It also addresses the heightened risk of suicide during the acute phase of psychotic depression, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive care. The paragraph concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to reach out to those affected by depression and to seek help if they notice concerning changes in themselves or others. It ends with a reminder of the importance of community and self-care, urging viewers to engage with the video's content through likes and comments, and to subscribe for more informative content.

Keywords

💡Depression

Depression, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is a negative emotional state that can range from mild unhappiness to severe feelings of sadness and despair. In the context of the video, depression is the overarching theme, with the script discussing its various symptoms and impact on daily life. The video emphasizes how depression can manifest in different ways, such as changes in sleeping habits, appetite, and social withdrawal, which are all mentioned as co-occurring with a depressive episode.

💡Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depression where individuals experience not only depressive symptoms but also psychosis. The video clarifies that psychotic depression is more than just feeling depressed; it involves a loss of touch with reality, as seen in the script's mention of delusions and hallucinations. This term is central to the video's message, as it differentiates the experience of psychotic depression from other forms of depression.

💡Psychosis

Psychosis is defined as an abnormal mental state that impairs one's ability to recognize reality, leading to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. The video uses the term to describe a critical component of psychotic depression, emphasizing that while psychosis is not an illness itself, it is a symptom that can be indicative of serious mental health conditions. The script provides an example of how psychosis can manifest through disorganized speech and confused communication.

💡Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders refer to a category of mood disorders where sadness is a primary symptom. The video script uses this term to illustrate the broader classification under which conditions like clinical depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder fall. This keyword helps viewers understand that depression is not a single condition but a spectrum of related disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments.

💡Anhedonia

Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure or interest in activities one once enjoyed. In the video, anhedonia is listed as a common characteristic of major depression, highlighting how it contributes to the overall experience of depression by robbing individuals of joy and motivation. This term is significant as it underscores the depth of the emotional impact of depression.

💡Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people's difficulties, and is mentioned in the video as an effective treatment for depressive disorders. The script emphasizes CBT's role in helping individuals with depression by addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors, which is crucial for managing and overcoming depressive symptoms.

💡Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts refer to contemplations of ending one's own life, which are mentioned in the video as a serious symptom of depression, particularly in the context of psychotic depression. The script highlights the increased risk of suicide during the acute phase of psychotic depression, underscoring the urgency and importance of professional intervention and support for individuals experiencing these thoughts.

💡Psychomotor Agitation

Psychomotor agitation is a symptom characterized by excessive movement or restlessness, often seen in individuals with psychotic depression. The video uses this term to describe a state of agitation where individuals are unable to sit still or exhibit excessive fidgeting, which contrasts with the slowed movements seen in psychomotor retardation. This keyword is important for understanding the physical manifestations of psychological distress.

💡Genetics

The term 'genetics' is used in the video to discuss the potential role of hereditary factors in the development of psychotic depression. While there is no definitive cause for the disorder, the script suggests that genetics, along with environmental stressors, may contribute to its onset. This keyword is significant as it introduces the complexity of mental health conditions, which can have multiple contributing factors.

💡Support

Support is emphasized throughout the video as a crucial element in the treatment and management of depression. The script encourages viewers to seek out professional help and to offer empathy and understanding to those experiencing depression. This keyword is central to the video's message of hope and community, reminding viewers that they are not alone in their struggles and that support can make a significant difference.

Highlights

Depression is a negative emotional state that can range from unhappiness to extreme sadness.

Depressive disorders are a subset of depression, including major depression and persistent depressive disorder.

Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depression characterized by psychosis.

Psychosis is an abnormal mental state that can cause difficulty in identifying reality.

Symptoms of psychotic depression include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.

People with psychotic depression may experience a disconnection from reality during psychotic episodes.

Approximately 3% of the population experiences psychosis.

Psychotic episodes can present behavioral warnings such as paranoia and uneasiness around others.

Psychosis is a symptom that helps diagnose mental illnesses like schizophrenia and conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Individuals with psychotic depression may know that their hallucinations are not real, unlike those with schizophrenia.

Psychomotor agitation and retardation are extreme manifestations of movement and thought in psychotic depression.

The suicide rate in people with psychotic depression is higher than in those with major depression.

There is no definite cause for psychotic depression, but it can be triggered by stressful or traumatic events.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are treatment options for psychotic depression.

Support and empathy are crucial components in the treatment and management of psychotic depression.

Depression can be overwhelming, but reaching out to someone you trust can help lighten the burden.

If you know someone with depression, offering a judgment-free space for discussion can be supportive.

If you're concerned about someone's mental health, reaching out to a guardian or social worker can provide necessary help.

Transcripts

- In the past, our channel has made videos

regarding depression and how it may affect you.

Today we'll be talking about some of the differences

between depression and one of its subtypes,

psychotic depression disorder.

Before we continue, it's important

that we clarify some of the terminology.

Doing so will help us better fully understand depression.

According to the American Psychological Association,

depression is a negative emotional state

that ranges from unhappiness

and discontent to extreme feelings of sadness, melancholia,

pessimism, and despondency.

These feelings are disruptive

and often interfere with everyday life.

Somatic, cognitive

and social changes tend to co-occur

during a depressive episode.

Some of those changes include

but are not limited to, changes in sleeping habits,

appetite changes, lack of energy

or motivation, difficulty focusing or making choices

and withdrawal from social settings.

This is the kind of depression most of us are familiar with,

whether we've observed it in others or in ourselves.

This is where most depressive disorders fall under.

Think of depressive disorders as a tiny umbrella

underneath the much larger umbrella of depression.

Depressive disorders refer to any mood disorder

that typically has sadness as a predominant symptom.

So some disorders that fall under a depressive disorder are

clinical depression, also known as major depression,

persistent depressive disorder,

disruptive mood dysregulation,

premenstrual dysphoric disorder,

seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression,

bipolar disorder, mania, and hypomania.

Within the subtype of major depression exists.

Psychotic depression, psychologist Anthony D. Smith,

outlines the symptoms that characterize major depression,

which are depressed.

Mood, sleep changes, suicidal thoughts, feelings

of worthlessness among many others.

Common characteristics are depressed, mood anhedonia, lack

of interest in previously enjoyed activities, sleep changes,

appetite changes, fatigue, hyper

or hypo activity, suicidal thoughts, attempts, lack

of focus, feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

So where does psychotic depression fit in?

In the case of psychotic depression,

it's more than just a depressed mood

and accompanying symptoms.

Psychotic depression is a form of major depression

where people may also experience psychosis.

Per the American Psychological Association's definition.

Psychosis is an abnormal mental state

that makes it difficult to identify reality.

It can cause serious impairments in fundamental higher brain

functions such as perception, cognition,

cognitive processing, and emotional effect.

These disruptions manifest in delusions, hallucinations,

and disorganized speech.

Jessica shared her experience

with psychosis on Rethink Mental illnesses blog.

- She described her psychotic episodes

as being disconnected from reality.

Although her experience is not specific

to psychotic depression, it does help us understand a little

what psychotic depression may feel like.

It's important for us to know

that psychosis alone is not an illness.

It's merely a symptom. According to license social worker,

Theresa Ian of Mental Health America, approximately 3%

of the population experiences psychosis.

Additionally, studies compiled by the NIH estimate

that anywhere between 10 to 100 people out

of 100,000 develop psychosis each year.

Psychotic episodes usually present behavioral warnings such

as paranoia, uneasiness around others, trouble thinking,

clearly, unusual

or overly intense ideas, lack of feelings,

decline in self-care

or personal hygiene, sleep disruptions,

difficulty separating reality and fantasy

and confused speech and trouble communicating.

There are no specific factors that cause psychosis.

It's a mix of genetic factors,

differences in brain development,

and exposure to stressors or trauma.

As we mentioned before, psychosis is a symptom

that helps doctors diagnose mental illnesses like

schizophrenia and conditions like

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

One thing that we need to point out is the key differences

between psychotic depression and schizophrenia.

People with schizophrenia believe their hallucinations

or delusions are real, whereas people

with psychotic depression know

that their hallucinations are not real.

Individuals who suffer from psychotic depression may

experience agitation, which manifests in not being able

to sit still or excessive fidgeting.

This is sometimes called psychomotor agitation.

The other extreme of this is psychomotor retardation,

where they experience everything in slow motion,

both thoughts and physical movements.

Other symptoms include persistently feeling worried

or on edge, falsely believing you have sickness,

poor concentration, and difficulty sleeping.

Dr. Anthony j Rothschild of the University

of Massachusetts Medical School in Warchester said The

suicide rate in people

with psychotic depression when they fall ill

and are in their acute phase is much higher than it

is with major depression.

So if you notice out of character changes in yourself,

reach out to a licensed professional

who can help you assess your symptoms,

provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

What causes psychotic depression?

There is no definite cause for psychotic depression.

However, like most other subtypes, it's onset by a stressful

or traumatic event such as a grief divorce, serious illness,

or financial worries.

Some psychologists believe

that genetics can also play a role.

How can you treat psychotic depression?

There are many treatment options for psychotic depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective in

treating many depressive disorders.

There's also the option to take medication.

Make sure to consult with a licensed professional

for a proper medication treatment plan.

However, one of the most important

- Can be support along with the other treatment options.

Offering support and empathy can make the world

of difference to anyone going through depression.

Depression can be a difficult monster

to challenge on your own.

It can be confusing, overwhelming,

and taxing, but you're not alone.

Although it may be hard, please reach out

to someone you trust.

It can be scary to talk about something you don't really

know how to explain,

but just talking to someone may lighten your burden.

If someone you know suffers from depression, reach out

to them with empathy and genuine care.

Let them know that with you.

They have a judgment-free space

to discuss their thoughts and feelings.

If you're concerned that they may harm themselves

or notice them acting differently, reach out

to their guardian social worker

or someone who can offer them the help that they need.

We hope you've learned more about psychotic

depression from this video.

Take care of yourself and take care of those around you.

Don't forget to like. Comment below

and subscribe to our channel.

Thanks so much for watching.