Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder, characterized by the coexistence of some symptoms of a psychotic nature. It can lead to hallucinations and delusions, but also interfere in the regular conduct of existence and, in these cases, require immediate intervention. To be able to manage this condition, you need to learn about its symptoms and treatment options.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Considering Therapeutic Alternatives
Step 1. Identify the symptoms
Knowing the most common symptoms will help yourself and your family to cope with this disorder and reduce the difficulties you will encounter. Some of the symptoms and conditions associated with psychotic depression are:
- Sleep disorders.
- Decreased appetite.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Agitation and anger.
- Hallucination and / or delusions.
- Irritability.
- Worsening of social and professional life.
Step 2. Search for a therapy and follow the directions
It is generally necessary to administer certain medications to treat a person with psychotic depression. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to treat symptoms commonly associated with depression and an antipsychotic for those related to psychosis. The latter can only be prescribed for a short time. Depression will likely be the main focus of therapy.
- Always follow the instructions relating to therapy and the directions provided by the psychiatrist and psychologist.
- Do not stop taking medications without consulting your doctor. It could be dangerous to stop them suddenly and there is a risk of relapse.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about electroconvulsive therapy (TEC)
Psychotic depression is one of the few disorders that can be treated with this type of therapy; it consists in passing electric current through the brain, causing brief convulsions that modify the chemical activity within it.
Although this therapy is safe nowadays, discuss possible side effects with your doctor
Step 4. Find the psychotherapeutic intervention that best suits your needs
It is often recommended to combine psychotherapy with medical treatment. Your doctor or therapist can help you choose from the best treatment options according to your needs.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help identify pathological thoughts and behaviors by replacing them with more functional attitudes.
- Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy can help identify unnecessary demands coming from oneself, the world, and others and modify them by challenging the irrational beliefs associated with negative thoughts of a depressive nature.
Step 5. Resume your daily life
A regular routine will allow you to stick to whatever kind of treatment you choose and shift your focus on carrying out daily activities. Plus, it can help you relieve depressive symptoms by structuring your days.
- Start planning your day, taking into account personal care and hygiene, meals and sleep, as well as work or appointments in your diary.
- Include healthy activities, such as sports, and interesting projects, such as your hobbies and passions.
Part 2 of 3: Finding Support
Step 1. Join a support group or organize one
Since you are conditioned by depressive or suicidal thoughts and may even suffer from hallucinations and delusions, consider building a powerful social support network. As psychotic symptoms subside, you should receive support from a range of people who can help you spot misconceptions, delusions, and hallucinations.
Look for a support group in your city. If you can't find it, search the internet
Step 2. Involve family members you trust
Suggest that a member of your family join a support group together or accompany you to psychotherapy sessions. This will help them better understand what you are going through and feel more comfortable talking about your condition.
Family therapy is a great way to engage various family members under the guidance of a psychotherapist
Step 3. Try becoming a spokesperson
By following a group of volunteers who disseminate information on depression or psychosis, you will have the opportunity to better study the condition you are suffering from and communicate effectively with others. By doing so, you will have more opportunities to expand your network of contacts and locate other resources.
The A. I. T. Sa. M (Italian Association for the Protection of Mental Health) can be an excellent starting point
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Eliminate negative beliefs
It is very common for a sense of helplessness and hopelessness to arise in depressed people. It can be exacerbated with the onset of psychotic disorders characterized by paranoid, persecutory or psychosomatic manifestations, such as delusions. Try to deal with your negative beliefs so that you gradually reduce self-destructive talk.
- Identify negative thoughts by recognizing keywords. If they contain expressions such as "it is not possible", "never" or "I will not make it", it is very likely that they are not optimistic or constructive.
- Consider possible alternatives. If you find yourself thinking in a negative way, try rephrasing the content of your thoughts in positive terms, using, for example, verbs like "to be able" and "to want".
Step 2. Manage stress to reduce depressive symptoms and prevent relapse
Stress promotes depression and can lead to relapses. Coping strategies, i.e. mental and behavioral strategies implemented to cope with a certain situation, will help you to alleviate the effects of stress.
- Physical activity promotes a sense of general well-being and strengthens the ability to cope with difficulties in a positive way.
- Learn to breathe deeply or do relaxation exercises.
- Regularly associate with friends and family to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.
Step 3. Don't lose hope
You are not the only person facing the difficulties posed by this disorder. Psychotic depression can be effectively treated and recovered.
