A 33-year-old member asked:
Could untreated depression turn into bipolar or a psychotic disorder?
2 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Hazlettanswered
Psychiatry 55 years experience
It may: Why it may, is based on the fact that depression can precede or be a part of bipolar disorder that is in the depressed mode and hypo-mania or mania may follow. It may also be that the depression becomes so severe that the depressed person becomes psychotic. Ptsd folks can have a psychotic depression as well. Brain trauma can cause a psychotic depression as can alzheimers dementia.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Samoon Ahmadanswered
Psychiatry 35 years experience
Quite common: Depression is frequently the first symptom of bipolar disorder and may precede mania/hypomania by months or years and therefore the diagnoses of bipolar disorder may be overlooked. It may eventually progress to mania and in severe cases have paychotic symptoms a well.Depression and psychotic symptoms may coexist in severe unipolar depression particularly in the elderly.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 29, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.