Is the onset of the psychotic depression later than nonpsychotic depression?

Objective: Although psychotic depression is very common among older depressed patients, studies have generally failed to find any socio-demographic differences between psychotic depression patients and nonpsychotic patients with depression. A comparison of the age related factors of psychotic depression and nonpsychotic depression could contribute to a better understanding of the clinical features of psychotic depression and its management as well.

Methods: The sample comprised 42 inpatients, 21 unipolar major depression with psychotic features, and 21 unipolar major depression without psychotic features. The diagnosis made after consensus of two psychiatrists by means of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder (SCID-IV). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and concomitantly Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) were performed to assess the severity of depression

Results: The average age of the patients with psychotic depression (49.8 years) was higher than that of non-psychotic depression patients (31.8 years). There were no significant differences between the patient groups in number of episodes and duration of illness. Also, patients with psychotic depression had higher mean total HDRS and HARS scores. There were no significant differences in gender, suicide attempt, family history, and stressful life events between groups.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the onset of the psychotic depression was later than nonpsychotic depression.