Major depression with psychotic features is a condition in which a person experiences depression along with reduced contact with reality (psychosis). This can take the form of false beliefs (delusions) or seeing or hearing something that isn't really there (hallucination).

See also:

• Major depression
• Psychosis

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

This condition occurs when a depressed person loses touch with reality and hallucinates or has delusions. The symptoms of psychotic depression are a combination of symptoms of depression and psychosis.

The content of the delusions and hallucinations can be consistent with depression. For example, some people hear voices criticizing them, telling them that they are not good enough or evil, or telling them that they don't deserve to live and should kill themselves. Psychotic depression requires immediate medical attention to prevent self-harm or harm to others.

Diagnosis involves:

• Psychiatric evaluation
• Physical examination
• Laboratory tests

The health care provider should rule out other medical conditions that can cause the same symptoms (such as reactions to certain drugs).