Causes and risk factors
Agitated depression is common among the middle aged and elderly patients. It is triggered by a major life event of any sort (like a death in the family, breaking up, losing a job), chronic sickness of any sort, substance abuse, chemical imbalance. Agitation occurs in many severe depressive disorders, but it is very severe in agitated depression. Other causes may include alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, caffeine intoxication, infection.
Clinical presentation
The patient of agitated depression is agitated, angry, depressed, and irritable all at once. The symptoms of agitated depression include excessive yelling, anger, feeling of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, irritability, delusions, hallucinations, restlessness, hand wringing, panic, pressured speech, anxiety. Patient shows impulsiveness. Even a small problem seems huge to people with agitated depression. Some people have a tendency of pulling their clothing while talking, until the cloth rips off.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the psychiatrist or psychologist helps in diagnosis. At least two of the following symptoms confirm the diagnosis – severe agitation, intense inner tension, racing or crowded thoughts.
Treatment
People with agitated depression are prescribed medicines known as ‘mood stabilizers’ which include anticonvulsants. Psychotherapy can help to calm down the tense mind and let out all the difficulties which they are unable to express. It involves cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches anger management techniques, relaxation techniques to combat the problem. Medications like antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, anticonvulsants also help in treatment of the disease. A calm environment, adequate lighting, sound sleep will also help in managing agitated depression.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating agitated depression. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates, is also found to be effective in treating agitated depression.
