Depression is a continuous state of feeling sad, hopeless, or helpless. While there are some common symptoms associated with depression so people can experience depression differently. One such example is agitated depression. Experts may also describe agitated depression as anxious depression.
Symptoms
- Feelings of hopelessness, sadness or irritability daily basis.
- Lack of interest or pleasure in activities almost every day.
- Experiencing significant weight loss or appetite loss that results in weight loss.
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively.
- Experiencing psychomotor agitation, restlessness.
- Feeling fatigued or having a lack of energy every day.
- Feeling worthless or having excessive and unexplained guilt every day.
- Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, or making decisions.
Causes
Agitation is often a symptom of an underlying mood disorder and is not a condition of its own. The causes of depression itself can be varied and can occur if –
- brain does not regulate mood appropriately
- a person has a family history of depression
- a person has experienced significant life events that are especially stressful or sad.
- a person has several chronic medical problems
How agitated depression diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose agitated depression by asking a person to describe the symptoms they are facing everyday.
- They may ask questions such as…
- When the symptoms first began?
- What makes the symptoms better?
- What makes the symptoms worse?
How is agitated depression treated?
Generally doctors treat agitated depression with a variety of approaches. The first instance is doctor may prescribe medications called sedatives or benzodiazepines. Examples may include diazepam (Xanax) or lorazepam (Ativan).
Other steps included …
- Medications to relieve depression
- Counseling
- Stress-relieving techniques
