Postpsychotic depression with suicide attempt in early onset psychosis

This case report presents a detailed account of a 16-year-old student who experienced a series of psychiatric symptoms culminating in a suicide attempt. He initially exhibited symptoms of paranoid delusions, auditory hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, leading to his admission to a psychiatric ward. The treatment with aripiprazole and delorazepam led to an improvement in positive symptoms, but about two months after the onset of psychotic symptoms the patient developed debilitating depression with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The case highlights the complexity of diagnosing and treating postpsychotic depression (PPD) in the context of early onset psychosis. The evolution of this patient’s symptoms, including the transition from psychosis to severe depression, underscores the need for timely intervention. The role of antipsychotic and antidepressant treatments is also examined, with a focus on tailoring interventions to the unique needs of young patients with PPD. This study emphasizes the importance of early detection, intervention, and follow-up in individuals experiencing depressive symptoms following a psychotic episode. It calls for further research to better understand the specific characteristics of PPD in early onset psychosis and its association with suicidal tendencies, guiding more effective treatment strategies and improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.