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Major depression with psychotic features

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

This is a condition in which depression is associated with absence of contact with reality (psychosis). This can take the form of false beliefs (delusions) or detecting something that isn't really there (hallucination). See also major depression and psychosis .

Alternative Names:

Psychotic depression; Delusional depression

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Although there are no obvious risk factors, a family history of depression or psychotic illness increase the risk of this condition.

• Review Date: 5/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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