Psychotic depression, otherwise known as major depression with psychotic features, is one of the most severe forms of depression. Medline Plus, a service of U.S. National Library of Medicine, indicates that psychosis consists of a lowered connection with reality. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association states that depression with psychotic features includes the presence of either hallucinations, which involves having false beliefs. The exact cause of psychotic depression remains unknown.
Genetics
Individuals who have a family history of depression may have a higher risk of developing depression with psychotic features. Additionally, Medline Plus indicates that a family history of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia increases this risk. Having a genetic predisposition for any mental illness, including depression with psychotic features, does not guarantee that an individual will develop the problem. Other factors, such as stressful life events, may cause the problem to emerge.
Traumatic Life Events
Dr. Aaron Beck and Dr. Brad Alford write in the book "Depression: Causes and Treatment" that the development of psychosis in some individuals emerged as a result of exposure to an event that was considered highly disturbing to the individual. Drs. Beck and Alford use the example of soldiers in the Korean War who accidentally killed fellow soldiers.
According to "The Merck Manual of Health & Aging" exposure to "extreme stress can lead to temporary psychosis" in some individuals. Examples include the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, and the breakup of a serious relationship.
Medications
"The Merck Manual of Health & Aging" indicates that certain medications may cause the development of psychosis. These include opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, digoxin, and drugs with anticholinergic side effects. The psychosis may be caused as a direct effect of the prescription drug, as a side effect or as an effect of withdrawal from an addictive substance.
Other Factors
Depression-information.org identifies other potential causes of psychotic depression. These include abnormal thyroid function and human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
References
- "Depression: Causes and Treatment, 2nd Edition"; Aaron T. Beck, M.D. and Brad A. Alford, Ph.D.; 2009
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- Information on Depression: Psychotic Depression
- Medline Plus: Major Depression with Psychotic Features
- The Merck Manual of Health & Aging: Psychosis
