Agitated Depression

What is agitated depression?

Agitated depression (also known as dysphoric mania and mixed state) is a mental state combining melancholy and hyperactivity.

In the definition above, melancholy refers to feelings of dejection, loss of interest, inability to feel pleasure, etc.

Hyperactivity is a condition characterized by excessively vigorous responses, or motor restlessness. In plain words the, person is unable to stand or sit still.

Depression is a psychological disorder characterized by feelings ranging from relatively mild discouragement and gloominess to extreme despondency and despair.

Agitation is the subjective feeling of being upset, angry, disturbed and unable to rest.

Symptoms of Mixed State

• Excessive irritability- individuals suffering from this type of depression are extremely sensitive and very difficult to talk to. This is especially the case when they are confronted about their inappropriate behavior.

• Motor agitation

• Excessive talking- these individuals are capable of endless and continuous talking which is very tiring for their listener. Once they notice that they are not being listening to, they can feel very insulted, angry and even get aggressive.

• Verbal outburst- this type of behavior is very common when individuals that suffer from agitated depression feel angry. The problem is that almost anything can make them angry. This is one of the things that makes them very difficult to live with. This is not the reason to abandon them but to help them.

• Racing thoughts- thinking all the time and thinking fast. Thoughts are racing through the head making an individual confused, irritated and angry.

• Tearing off clothes

• Skin picking

• Unable to sit still

• Constant complaining

• Pacing

• Aggressive behavior

Individuals that suffer from this type of depression are unsatisfied, unhappy, tense, and very often feel as if they are going to burst.

Many people live with this condition and many families suffer because of it which is very unfortunate. However, mixed state is treatable and there are many things that can help the individual that suffers from it.

Treatment for Agitated Depression

Depending on severity, dysphoric mania can be treated with psychotherapy alone or combined with natural supplements or depression medication (antidepressants).

Natural supplements can be used instead of antidepressants provided that they reduce the individual’s symptoms. Natural supplements are available to everybody and you don’t need a prescription to obtain them. This can make you believe that they are harmless and that you can self medicate with them without professional guidance. Of course that is not the case.

There are numerous natural supplements available out there. How are you going to know which is the right one for you? Or what is the right dosage or mixture of natural supplements for your condition?

A Health professional will educate you about your disorder and the natural supplements you should take. It is the same thing with depression medication. First you will be given a certain medication to reduce your symptoms. However, more often than not the dosage or the medication needs to be modified for the any or full effect.

If a certain medication doesn’t reduce your symptoms you will be prescribed some other, and other until you either stop taking them or get your symptoms of anxiety and depression reduced.

An important thing to know is that even if depression medication relieves you from your symptoms that don’t mean that you are cured from agitated depression; that only means that your nervous system is inhibited, which stops your symptoms from showing up or reduces their intensity.

It is in psychotherapy where the real healing process takes place. Healing agitated depression is not an event, but a long term process that you need to be committed to in order to get cured and stay cured.

In psychotherapy you will be provided with guidance, support and understanding which are all essential for the successful recovery from agitated depression.

Family therapy is strongly recommended in case of this type of depression. This is because family members can do a lot to help their loved one in need. They also can learn how to cope with their loved one condition and how to support him or her.

Depression in general is responsible for many divorces and broken relationships and families. This can be avoided with family therapy. Even more, family therapy can make the family stronger, united and a better place to live in.

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