Definition

Noun: A major depressive episode characterized by the co-occurrence of depressive symptoms with significant psychomotor agitation, such as restlessness, pacing, hand-wringing, and irritability, rather than psychomotor retardation.

Usage

This is a clinical term used primarily in psychiatry and psychology to describe a specific subtype of depression. It denotes a severe mood state where the core symptoms of depression are accompanied by agitated, restless behavior.

Examples

• The patient was diagnosed with agitated depression, presenting with profound sadness alongside an inability to sit still and frequent outbursts of anger.
• Symptoms of agitated depression can include racing thoughts, emotional distress, and constant fidgeting.
• Treating agitated depression often requires a careful approach, as the agitation component must be addressed alongside the depressive mood.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used to distinguish this presentation from other forms, such as melancholic depression (which often features psychomotor slowing) or atypical depression.
• In clinical assessment, noting the presence of agitated depression is crucial for determining the most appropriate therapeutic and pharmacological interventions.

Variants and Related Words

• Depression (n): The broader mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest.
• Agitation (n): A state of nervousness or restlessness, which is the key distinguishing feature in this condition.
• Psychomotor agitation (n): The specific clinical term for the increased, purposeless physical activity associated with this state.

Synonyms

• Mixed features (in the context of a depressive episode): A related modern diagnostic specifier that captures the presence of simultaneous depressive and agitated or manic-like symptoms.
• Anxious distress (specifier): A clinical specifier that highlights the presence of tension and restlessness accompanying depression, closely related to the concept of agitated depression.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to a clinical syndrome. It is not used to describe everyday feelings of being "stirred up" and sad. The "agitated" component specifically modifies the type of "depression," indicating a particular and severe symptomatic profile.

Noun

1. a state of clinical depression in which the person exhibits irritability and restlessness