Anxiety-depressive syndrome

Anxiety-depressive syndrome is a disease of modern society. This disease manifests itself in the form of various kinds of mental and physical disorders, which are accompanied by unpleasant sensations throughout the human body. As a rule, depression manifests itself in the form of a melancholic state, apathy and depression, and anxiety is characterized by an increased sense of fear and emotional tension. In practice, it has been found that patients in a depressive state experience anxiety to a greater extent. In total, they give a complex pathology that is difficult, but still possible to cure.

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Causes anxiety-depressive syndrome

The most common causes of anxiety-depressive syndrome are the following factors:

• long-term chronic disease;
• hereditary predisposition to the disease;
• severe fatigue;
• the presence of stressful situations, both at work and at home (being fired from work, death of a loved one);
• deficiency of important essential amino acids in the body (tryptophan, phenylalanine);
• serotonin deficiency;
• taking certain medications (barbiturates (phenobarbital), anticonvulsants (Celontin, Zarontin), benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Valium), Parlodel, calcium channel blockers (Calan, Tiazac), estrogen drugs, fluoroquinolones, statins (Lipitol, Zocor).

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Pathogenesis

Anxiety-depressive syndrome begins in adolescence. During the transitional period, children are especially sensitive and emotional. They react painfully to any remark. Criticism directed at them gives them a reason to think about their inadequacy to the criteria of society. This serves as an impetus for the development of anxiety-depressive syndrome. On its basis, various kinds of phobias subsequently appear. With age, the feeling of anxiety and panic fear only intensifies. A person perceives the surrounding reality in gloomy tones. He is aggressive, which is why he may develop a persecution mania. When even minor disturbances in the body appear, a person develops a feeling of anxiety, and even panic fear. He even treats people close to him with distrust. He fights with problems that do not actually exist, having wasted all his strength and energy on this to no avail.

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Symptoms anxiety-depressive syndrome

A number of symptoms indicate that the patient is developing anxiety-depressive syndrome:

• decreased mood;
• fluctuations in emotional state;
• sleep disturbance;
• a constant feeling of anxiety;
• expectation of failure;
• phobias appear;
• rapid fatigue;
• general weakness;
• concentration decreases, the speed of thought processes slows down;
• lack of desire to work.

From the side of the autonomic nervous system the following is observed:

• increased heart rate;
• tremor;
• feeling of suffocation;
• increased sweating;
• pain in the solar plexus area;
• chills;
• constipation;
• abdominal pain;
• muscle spasm;
• frequent urination.

The above symptoms may be present in many people who are under stress, but if they persist for a month or more, there is every reason to diagnose "anxiety-depressive syndrome". But only a psychotherapist can give a final conclusion.

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First signs

The main sign that the patient has anxiety-depressive syndrome is anxiety without apparent cause. He is constantly in a depressed state, which is accompanied by melancholy, apathy, increased irritability, and inexplicable anxiety. Interest in activities that he used to enjoy is noticeably reduced. Work activity is reduced, he quickly gets tired during physical exertion and actions that require intellectual effort. All his thoughts are full of negativity and pessimism. Stiffness in movements and inhibition of reactions are observed.

The patient takes this condition for granted and does not pay attention to the changes. Only those around him notice, and they should provide assistance.

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Complications and consequences

If you do not seek help from a specialist (psychotherapist, neurologist, psychologist) when you have symptoms of anxiety-depressive syndrome, this can lead to serious consequences. These include problems in marital relationships, as well as with other family members. Such patients have difficulties in their professional activities, which can lead to dismissal, which will only worsen the situation. The risk of accidents increases. If anxiety-depressive syndrome is diagnosed in parents, this will affect the emotional state of children. This mental disorder can lead to significant functional impairment and a decrease in the quality of life. The most dangerous consequence is suicidal thoughts and their implementation.

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Complications

Anxiety-depressive syndrome aggravates the course of all diseases. There are complications from the cardiovascular system in the form of pain in the heart, heart rhythm disturbances, hypertensive crisis, increased blood pressure, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure. Pain in the gastrointestinal tract appears, appetite decreases, which can threaten anorexia, cause increased flatulence, constipation, nausea. Pain symptoms occur in various parts of the body - migrating or local, paresthesia. Anxiety-depressive syndrome can cause genetic risks, as well as cause cancer.

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Diagnostics anxiety-depressive syndrome

Like any deviation in the body's activity, anxiety-depressive syndrome requires detailed study in order to prescribe the correct treatment. Various methods are used to diagnose this disease, with the aim of deeply studying the problem. An integrated approach gives a complete picture of the patient's condition. It is important to distinguish anxiety-depressive syndrome from anxiety, phobia, asthenia, chronic fatigue.

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Tests

Blood and urine tests are mandatory for any disease. Based on the results of the first parameter, the doctor can determine the presence of a particular pathology, which will determine the patient's further treatment tactics. In case of anxiety-depressive syndrome, the hemoglobin level and ESR will also be important, which will help to establish inflammatory processes in the blood, infectious or allergic in nature, anemia and other blood diseases. To exclude the possibility of hormonal factors.

A general urine analysis will also indicate the presence of pathologies in the patient's body, which will indicate the possible cause of the occurrence of anxiety-depressive syndrome due to the presence of chronic pathology.

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Instrumental diagnostics

At a doctor's appointment, a person cannot always describe the problem that caused the disease. Or they deliberately keep silent about it. To examine a patient with anxiety-depressive syndrome, they use electroneuromyography, which will help determine the functional state of muscles and peripheral nerves, X-ray diagnostics, ultrasound, EEG, which will help exclude toxic and metabolic causes of psychotic symptoms, MRI to determine organic causes of unusual behavior, and a study of regional blood flow. In order to exclude somatic pathology.

ECG changes in anxiety-depressive syndrome

Anxiety-depressive syndrome is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the chest area. The patient may complain of stabbing pain in the heart, of disruptions in its work, namely, "freezing", of lack of air. The doctor necessarily prescribes an ECG procedure, but the described problems are not confirmed by the cardiogram. Tachycardia or high blood pressure is present. It is possible to detect isolated extrasystoles. But, despite this, patients still monitor their pulse, looking for signs that would indicate the presence of a fatal disease.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostic methods are used to determine the severity of anxiety-depressive syndrome. Based on their results, a course of treatment is determined.

• Montgomery-Asberg scale. Used to determine the severity of the disease and changes in the patient's condition after therapy.
• Hamilton scale: designed to determine the dynamics of depressive states.
• Zung scale: used to express self-assessment of anxiety and depression. Seven parameters are studied: feeling of spiritual emptiness, mood changes, somatic and psychomotor symptoms, suicidal thoughts, irritability, indecisiveness.
• The method "Scale of differential diagnostics of depressive states". Its purpose is to determine the level of depression.
• Methodology of differential diagnostics of depressive states by V.A. Zhmurov.

Treatment anxiety-depressive syndrome

In the treatment of anxiety-depressive syndrome, the main emphasis is on medications. The use of homeopathic remedies, traditional medicine recipes and herbal remedies is not excluded. Only complex therapy will give a positive result. Medicines.

• Imipramine is an antidepressant. It is used to improve well-being, reduce anxiety, stimulate activity, and increase vitality. The initial and maintenance dose is 50/150 mg per day, gradually increasing to 150/250 mg. After the effect is achieved, the dosage of the drug is reduced. Side effects: headache, dry mouth, epileptic seizures, dizziness, increased heart rate, hallucinations, weakness, tremor, arrhythmia, weakness, decreased libido, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, paresthesia, allergic reactions, impotence. Imipramine is contraindicated in pregnant women, patients with tachycardia, renal/hepatic insufficiency, atony of the bladder, post-infarction syndrome, patients with schizophrenia, those who are sensitive to the components of the drug, children under two years of age.
• Fluxovamin is used to treat any type of depressive states. The dosage is determined individually for each patient. The initial daily dose is 0.1 g. With a gradual increase to 0.3 g. Take three times a day. Side effects: causes drowsiness, increases anxiety, tremors, dry mouth, nausea, visual impairment, anorexia. Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, childhood, liver failure.
• Sertraline - is intended for the treatment of depressive states. Daily dose: 50 mg, with subsequent increase to 200 mg. The result will be in a week, full recovery - in a month. Maintenance dose - 50 mg. Side effects: tremor, dispersion, nausea, dizziness, gait disturbance, menstrual cycle failure, allergic reactions, in men - delayed ejaculation. Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Prozac is used for depressive states of any nature. The daily dose is 20 mg, with an increase to 80 mg. The drug is divided into two or three doses. For maintenance therapy - 20 mg. Duration of treatment is a month. Side effects: headache, asthenia, hand tremor, impaired attention, memory, increased anxiety, suicidal thoughts, decreased appetite, allergic reactions, disorders in the lungs and liver. Contraindications: individual intolerance, renal / hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, anorexia, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin deficiency in the human body is also one of the factors in the development of anxiety-depressive syndrome. To restore balance, they must be taken in the form of medications or increase the amount of foods in your diet that contain the largest amount.

• Biotin: beef, liver, milk, cheese, crabs, squid, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, whole grain bread, carrots.
• Folic acid: beans, onions, parsley, asparagus, carrots, turnips, pumpkin, beets, cabbage, nuts, seeds.
• Vitamin B12: caviar, mussels, egg yolks, hard cheeses.
• Thiamine: liver, bran, seeds, potatoes, peas, rice, buckwheat, parsley.
• Riboflavin: peanuts, figs, grapes, beef, cottage cheese, chocolate.
• Vitamin C: lemon, sea buckthorn, cabbage, tomatoes, raspberries, spinach.
• Iron: liver, red meat, almonds, buckwheat, apples, prunes, barley, carrots, rose hips.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapeutic procedures are part of the complex treatment of anxiety-depressive syndrome.

• Electroconvulsive therapy. It is based on an electric shock that passes through the brain, causing convulsions, which makes it work harder.
• Electrosleep - using low-frequency current of low power. They cause inhibition in the cerebral cortex, after which it comes to a calm state, improving sleep. Darsonvalization of the scalp and face - a rapidly fading current of high frequency, high voltage, low power, which relaxes, after which it increases blood flow, and tissues receive improved nutrition.
• Massage – regardless of the type – manual, hardware or self-massage, it helps to relax muscles and has a calming effect.
• Oxygen therapy. The patient is placed in a special chamber into which oxygen is supplied under pressure. The body's cells are saturated with it.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes are also used in the treatment of anxiety-depressive syndrome:

• 1.5 tbsp. chopped mint and the same amount of hawthorn pour 400 ml. hot water. Cover the container and let it brew for 25 minutes. Strain and take three times a day after meals, ½ cup.
• Grind 3 tablespoons of oat straw. Pour into any convenient container and pour in two glasses of boiling water. Let it brew for 8 hours. Drink in small portions throughout the day.
• 50 g of grated horseradish is poured with 0.5 l of fortified white wine. Place the vessel in a dark, cool place for ten days. Do not forget to shake it from time to time. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day.
• 0.5 tbsp. poppy seeds, the same amount of eryngium seeds, 200 ml. red wine. Mix all ingredients and put on the fire. Boil for 10 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly. Cool, take 1 tbsp. three times a day.

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Herbal treatment

Some types of herbs have a calming effect, so they are used in the treatment of various types of mental disorders, including anxiety-depressive syndrome. These include:

• ginseng, from the leaves of which a sedative infusion is prepared. Preparations based on ginseng can be found in many pharmacies;
• angelica. Used in the treatment of depression and nervous exhaustion in the form of an infusion. To make the medicine, I use the root of angelica.
• Bird's knotweed. It is used for lethargy and general weakness of the body, which are present in depression.
• Manchurian aralia. Helps with mental illnesses. To prepare an infusion, take the root of the plant and pour alcohol over it. In addition, valerian, dog nettle, hawthorn, mint, hops and some others have a calming effect.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines are widely used for anxiety-depressive syndrome.

• Bioline Stop Smokein is indicated for anxiety, increased excitability, irritability, nervous tension. Take one tablet every hour, then 4 times a day. Side effect: allergic reaction. Contraindications: children under 12, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hypersensitivity.
• Valeriana compositum – neurosis, insomnia, headache, anxiety, excitability, fear. Take seven granules three to four times a day for one month. Repeat if necessary. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. Side effects: Allergic reactions.
• Gipnosed - insomnia, neurasthenia, increased excitability. Dosage: 8 granules per day 4-5 times per day. Course of treatment - three months. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. Side effects: None identified.
• Kyetude - A sedative used for nervous excitement, sleep disorders due to fatigue and nervous excitement. One tablet in the morning and afternoon, 2 tablets in the evening. 15 minutes before meals. Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components. Side effects: causes allergic reactions.
• Nevroset - Neurotic disorders. Daily dose for adults - 24 granules. For children - 15 granules. Half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2 months. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. No side effects have been identified.

Prevention

In order not to think about treating anxiety-depressive syndrome in the future, you need to start preventing it today. You should increase the amount of positive emotions. If the weather is bad outside, it is best to arrange a weekend at a sunny resort. There is no such opportunity when you decorate the walls of your home and office with bright cheerful pictures. To reduce stressful situations, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Balance your diet, increase the amount of healthy foods in it, give up bad habits. Go in for sports and choose active recreation. Set aside time for your favorite activity. Follow the work-rest schedule. The key to good health is sleep. Get enough sleep, and you will always be in a great mood. A healthy lifestyle is impossible without harmony of thoughts and actions. Meditation will teach you to control your thoughts. Be kind to others and do not allow aggressive behavior.

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Forecast

Anxiety-depressive syndrome, like any other disorder, occurs differently in each person. Achieving results will require a certain amount of time, as well as patience from both the patient and the people around him. If the symptoms were identified at an early stage, have a clear distinction, so the cause of the disease is obvious, then the prognosis will be favorable. It is facilitated by the behavior of the patient himself, who regularly visits the doctor and follows his recommendations. Receives comprehensive support from loved ones. An important factor is a trusting relationship with the doctor, and when the patient himself understands the purpose of treatment and adequately responds to the measures taken.

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