Psychotic depression is a type of major depressive disorder that includes symptoms of psychosis. It is a condition that affects 10-20% of people with depression and can cause hallucinations, delusions, self-harming behaviors, or suicidal thoughts. While there is no cure for depression, a depression treatment program can reduce the symptoms that disrupt their lives and give them coping skills to face any stressful situation now and in the future.
Arkview Recovery treats people struggling with psychotic depression or other mental health disorders. We offer evidence-based behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to give our patients the confidence and skills necessary to manage their symptoms. Patients will participate in group therapy with their peers to practice their coping skills in a safe and supervised environment. For more information about our depression treatment program, call 717.744.0756 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
What Is Psychotic Depression?
Psychotic depression is a serious mental health disorder that includes the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and psychosis. Individuals diagnosed with psychotic depression cannot distinguish between their hallucinations and reality, which can be frightening and confusing.
Symptoms of psychotic depression include fatigue, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other common symptoms of depression. It also includes delusions, hallucinations, psychomotor impairment, and being in a state of stupor.
Psychotic depression can be broken down into two types of major depressive disorder with features of psychosis:
- MDD with mood-congruent psychotic features – The hallucinations and delusions that patients experience will reflect their feelings and emotions, such as feeling inadequate, worthless, and fearing illness and death.
- MDD with mood-incongruent psychotic features – The hallucinations and delusions conflict with their depression symptoms. Patients may hallucinate a loved one, hear voices praising them, or smell something pleasant. They may also feel like someone is chasing them or trying to control their thoughts.
At Arkview Recovery, our certified behavioral therapists have experience treating psychotic depression symptoms. They work closely with each patient to understand their unique symptoms and feelings and build their confidence in managing their symptoms.
Treating Psychotic Depression Symptoms
While there is no cure for psychotic depression, several types of therapies can reduce the symptoms causing the most harm. Patients will participate in group and individual therapies to discuss their feelings and develop and practice healthy coping skills.
Here are some of the therapies used in treating psychotic depression:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – CBT is one of the most successful therapies for treating psychotic depression and other mental health disorders. It focuses on helping patients understand how their thoughts and feelings control their behavior and how to change their negative thinking.
- Dialectical behavior therapy – DBT focuses on patients with self-harming behaviors or suicidal thoughts. It helps patients accept themselves for who they are and improve their outlook on themselves and the world around them.
- Medication-assisted treatment – Antidepressant and antipsychotic medications have proven to be effective in reducing psychotic depression symptoms and any corresponding withdrawal from substance abuse.
These programs will help patients manage their psychotic depression symptoms and allow them to lead full and enriching lives.
Find Relief with Psychotic Depression Treatment in Pennsylvania at Arkview Recovery
Arkview Recovery supports patients struggling with psychotic depression through our discreet and comfortable treatment facility. We will complete a full assessment of your physical and mental health when you first arrive to place you in the appropriate treatment program. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and any co-occurring disorders, your treatment may begin with:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Separate men’s and women’s rehab programs
Today is the best day to take that first step toward a better life. Call 717.744.0756 today if you are struggling with psychotic depression or other mental health disorders.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
