Agitated Depression - Discussion

Agitated depression is one of the major disorders that belong to the group of depression-related ailments. This condition is marked by motor excitement and feelings of restlessness. The term attributed to this condition is melancholia agitata; also known as mixed mania.

The difference in the manifested symptoms of depression versus the agitated form of depression is that a depressed individual would likely feel lack of motivation, lack of excitement, general lethargy and reluctance towards any action needed for day-to-day routine activities; on the other hand, an individual who is suffering from agitated depression would experience feelings of anger, agitation as well as annoyance at the thought of attempting mundane chores or daily interaction.

Some of the most marked symptoms of this condition are motor agitation, inner turmoil and tension of great intensity, as well as frequently racing thoughts that cannot be calmed. It has been generally observed that individuals suffering from major depressive disorders eventually move into a state of agitated depression, when the condition gets exacerbated or worsens.

Depression that is "agitated" has different forms, and these are as follows:

• Psychotic depression
• Non-psychotic depression
• Excited anxious depression

The symptoms that are common to all three major types of depression are restless pacing, inability to sit still, frequent emotional outbursts, hair-pulling and tearing off one's clothes. Adults (namely middle aged and older people) are more prone to this condition than pre-adults or teenagers.

Although some of the symptoms have been listed above, it does not necessarily mean that these symptoms are very different from any other form of depressive disorders. Hence, treatment of the agitated form of depression also will run along the same lines as any other depressive condition treatment.

Useful Depression Resources