Stop Depression

Most are familiar with the term depression. Information can be found in nearly any media format that talks about depression. The majority of people are not aware just how many sub categories exist for the term depression and just how many types of depression people actually suffer from. Depression can be divided into types based on the various symptoms which are exhibited by the person suffering the condition. One of these labels or categories is referred to as Agitated Depression.

By definition, Agitated Depression is a depressive episode that is driven by hippomanic behaviours. To classify a type of depression, there are a wide number of symptoms which become evident and the full array of conditions are analyzed and diagnosed.

Typical Symptoms for Agitated Depression

In order to be diagnosed with Agitated Depression you will likely exhibit most of or all of the following symptoms in order to meet the criteria. You must be suffering from a depressive episode which has been classified as a major episode. You will likely display at least two of the following symptoms, motor agitation, psychic agitation or an intense inner tension, racing thoughts, or thoughts, which are crowded. Motor agitation is the inability to hold portions of the body motionless. Psychic agitation is also known as mental agitation, which means that you are obviously in a state of emotional or mental distress. This may also include the symptoms crowded thoughts or crowded thoughts.

In professional descriptions or discussions Agitated Depression falls under major depressive episode rather than mixed bipolar disorder which it closely resembles. This is according to the DSM-III-R. There are other forms of Agitated Depression. The clinical forms are Psychotic which has the defined name of Melancholia, non-psychotic which follows the RDC criteria, and may qualify as anxious depression.

Agitated Depression also manifests itself in Bipolar I. It is not uncommon, however it needs to be properly diagnosed since it can have a large impact not only on the prognosis but also on the treatment plan. To be classified as Agitated Major Depressive Disorder you will typically exhibit two of the following symptoms for more than two days during any episode, pacing, hand wringing, motor agitation, outbursts of shouting, or complaining, inability to stop talking, and or pulling on hair, skin, or clothing.

Depression is a very serious illness. When left untreated it can have serious and some times fatal implications not just for the person suffering but also for those around them. If you or someone you know appears to be suffering from these symptoms it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified medical profession or encourage the person suffering from the symptoms to seek help. Seeking help in a timely fashion can make all the difference in taking back control of your life and returning to a healthy state of mind.