Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people each year. It can cause feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. For some people, depression can also lead to agitation and irritability. Agitated depression is a specific type of depression that is characterized by these symptoms. If you are experiencing agitated depression, it is important to get treatment right away. In this blog post, we will discuss what agitated depression is and how to treat it.
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What Is Agitated Depression?
Agitated depression is a type of depression characterized by restlessness and anxiety. People with agitated depression may feel constantly on edge as if they can’t sit still or relax. They may also have trouble sleeping and may be easily irritated or angered. Agitated depression is sometimes called a mixed anxiety-depressive disorder.
Agitated depression is a relatively common form of depression, affecting up to one in four people with the condition. It is more common in women than men and usually begins in adulthood. Although it can occur at any age, it is most common in middle-aged adults.
Agitated depression can be difficult to treat because the symptoms can make it hard to focus on other forms of treatment, such as therapy or medication. However, there are several effective treatment options available.
Symptoms of Agitated Depression
There are many different symptoms of agitated depression, which can make it a difficult disorder to diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Irritability or Frustration
One of the most common signs of agitated depression is feeling easily frustrated or irritable. This can manifest in feeling short-tempered, impatient, or even having outbursts of anger. You may find yourself snapping at people more often than usual, or feeling like everything and everyone is getting on your nerves.
Restlessness
Another common symptom of agitated depression is feeling restless and unable to sit still. You may pace back and forth, tap your foot, or fidget constantly. This can be accompanied by an inability to concentrate or focus on anything for very long.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common symptom of many mental disorders, and agitated depression is no exception. You may feel excessively worried or stressed about things that would normally not bother you. Your heart may race, you may feel short of breath, and you may even have panic attacks.
Insomnia
Many people with agitated depression find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can lead to fatigue and further worsen other symptoms of the disorder.
Loss of Appetite
Another common symptom of agitated depression is a loss of appetite. You may not feel hungry, or you may find that food has lost its flavor. This can lead to weight loss, which can further exacerbate other symptoms.
Physical Aches and Pains
Many people with agitated depression also experience physical aches and pains. Headaches, back pain, and stomachaches are common. These physical symptoms can often be made worse by the stress and anxiety of the disorder.
Depressed Mood
Of course, one of the most common symptoms of depression is a depressed mood. This can manifest as feeling sad, hopeless, or empty. You may lose interest in activities you used to enjoy, and you may withdraw from your friends and family.
Difficulty Sitting Still
Another sign of agitated depression is restlessness and an inability to sit still. You may pace back and forth, tap your foot, or fidget constantly. This can be accompanied by difficulty concentrating or focusing on anything for very long.
Excessive Talking
Another sign of agitated depression is excessive talking. You may find yourself talking more than usual, and you may have difficulty stopping once you start. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as restlessness and anxiety.
Racing Thoughts
Racing thoughts are another common symptom of agitated depression. You may find your mind racing or jumping from one thought to another. This can make it difficult to concentrate or focus on anything. You may also find yourself talking more than usual as a result of your racing thoughts.
Impulsiveness and Recklessness
Some people with agitated depression may also become impulsive or reckless. You may take risks that you normally would not, and you may act on impulses without thinking about the consequences. This can be dangerous and lead to further problems.
Low Energy Levels
Sometimes, people with agitated depression may also experience low energy levels. This can make it difficult to do things that you normally enjoy, and it can worsen other symptoms such as fatigue.
Reasons for Agitated Depression
There are many reasons that people may experience agitated depression. Some common causes include:
Stressful Events
One of the main causes of agitated depression is stressful events. This can include things like the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or financial problems. Sometimes, even positive events like getting married or having a baby can be stressful and lead to agitated depression.
Trauma
Another common cause of agitated depression is trauma. This can include things like abuse, violence, or exposure to a natural disaster. Trauma may also be caused by witnessing something traumatic, such as a car accident.
Genetic Factors
Another factor that may contribute to agitated depression is genetics. If you have a family member with the disorder, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. This is because some mental disorders are believed to be partially hereditary.
Brain Chemistry
Another reason for agitated depression is believed to be abnormalities in brain chemistry. This can include things like imbalances in neurotransmitters or hormones. These abnormalities can be caused by things like stress, trauma, or genetic factors.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes, medical conditions can also lead to agitated depression. This is because some medical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those of mental disorders. For example, thyroid problems can cause fatigue, weight gain, and low energy levels, which are also common symptoms of depression.
Medications
One of the most common causes of agitated depression is medications. This is because many medications can cause side effects that mimic the symptoms of mental disorders. For example, some medications used to treat high blood pressure can cause fatigue, weight gain, and low energy levels.
As you can see, there are many different reasons that people may experience agitated depression. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
Does Agitated Depression Affect You?
The impact of agitated depression can be far-reaching, affecting every area of your life. It may make it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities and can lead to problems at work, school, or university.
Some other impacts of agitated depression may include:
Relationship Difficulties
One of the most common impacts of depression is relationship difficulties. Depression can make you withdraw from your partner, which can lead to communication problems, tension, and conflict.
Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed
Depression can also cause you to lose interest in activities that you once enjoyed. This may make it difficult to stick to hobbies or interests and can lead to social isolation.
Difficulties Sleeping
Many people with depression find it difficult to sleep. This may be due to racing thoughts, worries about the future, or simply because depression makes it hard to relax. Insomnia can then lead to fatigue, which can make it even harder to cope with day-to-day life.
Low Mood and Loss of Motivation
A key impact of depression is a low mood. This can make it hard to enjoy life and make it difficult to find the motivation to do anything. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, which can make it even harder to summon the energy to do things.
Impact on Work or Study
Depression can also have a significant impact on your ability to work or study. It may make it hard to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions. This can lead to problems at work, school, or university.
Financial Problems
One of the less-talked-about impacts of depression is financial problems. Depression can make it hard to manage money, stay organized, or stick to a budget. This can lead to debt, missed bill payments, and other financial difficulties.
Substance Abuse
Several people with depression turn to substance abuse as a way of coping with their condition. This may include alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes. While initially, substances may help to numb the pain of depression, they can quickly lead to addiction and make depression worse in the long run.
Treatment Of Agitated Depression
The Treatment of agitated depression requires a comprehensive approach that includes both medication and psychotherapy.
Medications
One of the most common and effective treatments for this type of depression is medication. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that are often used to treat depression. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Other types of antidepressants that may be used to treat this type of depression include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). TCAs are an older class of antidepressant that is not as commonly used due to their potential side effects, which can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and dizziness. MAOIs are another older class of antidepressants that is also not as commonly used due to their potential side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Psychotherapy
In addition to medication, psychotherapy is an important part of treatment for this type of depression. Psychotherapy can help patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat depression. CBT focuses on helping patients identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors.
Other types of psychotherapy that may be used to treat this type of depression include interpersonal therapy (IPT) and psychodynamic therapy. IPT focuses on helping patients understand and improve relationships with others. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on helping patients understand the unconscious factors that contribute to their disorder.
The combination of medication and psychotherapy is often the most effective approach to treating agitated depression.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication and psychotherapy, there are several lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms of agitated depression. Getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are all important for managing this disorder. Avoiding alcohol and drugs is also important, as these substances can worsen symptoms of depression.
Making social connections and engaging in activities that bring joy can also help improve symptoms of agitated depression. Finding ways to relax and reduce stress can also be helpful. Some people find that practices such as mindfulness meditation or yoga help manage their disorder.
These lifestyle changes also require a commitment and effort to stick with them. However, making these changes can be an important part of managing agitated depression.
Conclusion
Agitated depression is a serious mental health condition that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of agitated depression, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. With proper treatment, people with this condition can improve their quality of life and live fulfilling lives.
There is no shame in seeking help for mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available to help.
Hope this article was of help to you! If you are suffering from mental health disorders, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. We have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who can provide you with the tools and skills necessary for overcoming mental health disorders. Contact us today to schedule an online therapy or download our free Android or iOS app for more information.
