QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
Could you please explain the difference between schizophrenia and psychotic depression?
Thank you very much.
ANSWER:
Psychotic depression is a depression associated with misinterpreting reality during the
depression.
Schizophrenia is a lifetime pattern where the thoughts get separated from the emotions -
that's what the "split personality" means. Schizophrenia is likely a severe
brain illness that affects mood, the ability to stay on a subject, and mixed feelings.
Psychosis also develops. Many schizophrenics are also paranoid. In the acute stage it can
be difficult distinguishing both diagnoses.
