How Agitated Depression Is Different From Normal Depression?

There is no medical term known as agitated depression. Yet, most people use the words to illustrate a combination of depression and anxiety. Depression is one of the leading mental conditions in the world. According to a recent study, depression affects more than 18 million Americans every year. Hence, it comes as one major cause of worry when a person displays signs of depression. However, is agitated depression dangerous and life-threatening? 

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In this topic, we will enlighten you on the common agitated depression symptoms and how to improve them. Also, we will brief you on the three most popular types of depressions and how they differ from one another.

Agitated Depression Compared to Typical Depression

Ordinary depression causes low moods, sleeping problems, fatigue, feeling of helplessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Mostly, the affected people feel empty, confused, and less energetic. These symptoms may last for hours or a couple of weeks. 

On the other hand, agitated depression depicts different challenges. To people who have never heard about it, there is always a frequent question, what does agitated depression look like? Normally, most people struggle to distinguish the differences between all depressive conditions. 

Agitated depression patients experience similar symptoms to other depressive conditions but also portray hypomanic behavior. When an attack strikes, victims become more energetic, emotional, and anxious. In some instances, they talk constantly, pace a lot, develop insomnia and fidget continuously. 

Is agitated depression the same as bipolar? Agitated depressive symptoms do not last long enough like bipolar disorder ones. On the other hand, bipolar and agitated depression patients are more inclined to suicidal thoughts. According to experts, close to 30% of these victims try to kill themselves once or twice in their lives. 

Causes and Diagnosis of Agitated Depression

Do I have agitated depression? This is a common question that psychiatrists face. Although agitated depression is not a complicated condition to diagnose, its repercussions are far more devastating. Common triggers include recurring stress, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, hypothyroidism, and tragic happenings. 

Mostly, a psychiatrist uses talk therapy to pinpoint any unusual behavior. Also, they make a diagnosis based on moods and mannerisms. It is possible to detect other causes of irritability through a blood test. 

Altogether, a dependable doctor should not confuse aggressive depression diagnosis with other conditions. 

For a clear judgment, psychiatrists inquire if the patient had at least one major attack. Also, they check if the patients appear intensely under pressure or physically overly agitated? Note that these symptoms resemble other mental conditions. 

So, it is not strange to hear, ‘are bipolar and depression the same? Although these conditions share several similarities, they have a couple of differences too. While depression is a deep feeling of emptiness and sadness, bipolar patients experience extreme mood swings. 

In short, victims swirl through intense high and low maniac episodes. In an assessment, it is common for a doctor to diagnose typical depression first. If the prescribed medications fail to work, then they move to the next level of aggression depression. 

In rare cases, depressants for other conditions trigger the agitated behavior. So, communicate instantly to your doctor if you notice any unpleasant side effects after depressant medication. 

Can Agitated Depression Be Cured?

There are medications known to stabilize moods like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Usually, it takes time to find the right combination for long-term depression. This is because people react differently to various medications. 

There is also a higher probability of escalating the problem with wrong medication and dosage. In such a scenario, psychotherapy becomes a better option. This is a strong basis for treating any kind of mood-related condition. Through the process, you can easily recognize your triggers and develop coping mechanisms to counter the symptoms. 

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One of the universally used remedies is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Here, therapists encourage patients to disclose information about inner feelings and problems. Then, they work as a team to alter detrimental behaviors and thoughts. 

Other therapists integrate sessions with de-escalation mechanisms. This includes communicating to the patient in a soft, slow tone and offering them a serene space to calm down when agitation rises. In a 2008 analysis, a combination of an antipsychotic known as Quetiapine and an antidepressant bore better results. 

Still, there are ongoing studies on the best management program to use. At the moment, a combination of different therapies remains the most successful approach on how to manage agitated depression.

Three Main Types of Depressions

Various depressive disorders appear in different forms. Generally, symptoms vary from mild, moderate, and severe. It is wise to identify with the common depressive conditions and explicit symptoms.

1. Mild Depression

In this early stage of depression, you may feel temporarily off for a few days. Mild depression causes self-loathing, desperation, loss of interest in previously loved activities, and irritability. It is common to witness mildly affected victims complain of unexplainable aches, insomnia, weight changes, and low appetite. 

Some of them may hide in their rooms for hours, refuse to socialize, or lead a reckless life. If these symptoms reoccur more frequently, there is a higher possibility of a persistent depressive disorder known as dysthymia. 

While mild depression symptoms are easily noticeable, it is the most complicated condition to diagnose. It is then a relief to learn that it is the least difficult depression to treat. A lifestyle change inclusive of regular exercises, proper diet, enough sleep, and meditation goes a long way. 

Other treatments include melatonin supplements and other alternative remedies. Discuss with your doctor before incorporating supplements into your regime.

2. Moderate Depression

Moderate depression is the next level after a mild condition. These two forms of depression share related indicators. Sometimes, moderate depression may lead to increased sensitivity, excess worry, poor productivity, self-esteem issues, and feeling of insignificance. 

Moderate symptoms are more pronounced and can cause issues at work, social life, and home. Compared to mild cases, it is easier to diagnose a moderate one because the symptoms affect daily activities.

For an accurate diagnosis, inform your doctor about all the symptoms that you encounter. While some doctors recommend cognitive therapy others incorporate drugs like Sertraline and Paxil. These drugs take around six weeks to take effect.

3. Severe Depression

This is the harshest form of depression and a combination of both mild and moderate conditions. For that reason, the symptoms are more obvious and unrelenting. Severe episodes go up to six months or more. 

To some people, the condition goes away on its own only to recur years down the line when triggered by various factors. In very severe cases, diagnoses are time-sensitive and vital. If the patient appears delusional and experiences hallucinations, rush them to a health expert soonest. 

It should be noted that in such a condition they may try to kill or harm themselves. To stabilize the situation, doctors mainly prescribe SSRI medications and talk therapy.

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Wrap- Up

Now and then, most people wonder, what does agitated depression feel like? Whatever the form of depressive disorder you encounter, it is vital to contact your physician for a proper diagnosis. With an abundance of treatments around, a reliable psychiatrist should conclude on the perfect treatment regime for you. 

Do you suffer from one or two symptoms mentioned above? At EZ care Clinic, our wide-ranging diagnostic assessment helps us to effectively find a permanent solution to several mental health conditions. Book your appointment here for the most fulfilling diagnostic experience.