Psychotic depression: a systematic review of its clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Psychotic depression (PD) is a severe manifestation of major depressive disorder characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, alongside the typical signs and symptoms of depression. This condition poses significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment due to the complexity of its clinical presentation. A systematic review was conducted with the aim of outlining the fundamental aspects of PD, including its definition, clinical features, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of PD, contributing to a better understanding and clinical management of this serious psychiatric disorder.