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 a melancholic state, apathy and depression, and anxiety is characterized by an increased sense of fear and emotional tension. In practice, it was found that patients in a depressed state are more anxious. In sum, they give a complex pathology, which is difficult, but still can be cured.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Causes of the anxiety-depressive syndrome

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

• chronic chronic illness;
• hereditary predisposition to the disease;
• severe fatigue;
• presence of stressful situations, both at work and at home (dismissal from work, death of a loved one);
• deficiency of important essential amino acids in the body (tryptophan, phenylalanine);
• a lack of serotonin;
• taking certain medications (barbiturates (phenobarbital), anticonvulsants (Tselontin, Zarontin), benzodiazepines (Clonopin, Valium), Parlodel, calcium channel blockers (Kalan, Thiazak), estrogen preparations, fluoroquinolone, statins (Lipitol, Zokor).

[6], [7], [8]

Pathogenesis

The anxious-depressive syndrome begins in adolescence. During the transition period, children are particularly sensitive and emotional. They react painfully to any comment. Criticism in their address gives an occasion to reflect on their inadequacy to the criteria of society. This is the trigger for the development of anxiety-depressive syndrome. On its basis in the subsequent there are various phobias. With age, the sense of anxiety and panic fear only increases. A person perceives the surrounding reality in gloomy colors. He is aggressive, because of which he can develop a persecution mania. At occurrence even even insignificant disturbances in work of an organism at the person there is a feeling of alarm, and even a panic fear. Even people close to him are treated with disbelief. He is struggling with problems that do not really exist, without spending all their energy and energy on it.

[9]

Symptoms of the anxiety-depressive syndrome

The fact that the patient develops an anxiety-depressive syndrome is indicated by a number of symptoms:

• decreased mood;
• fluctuations in the emotional state;
• sleep disturbance;
• a constant sense of anxiety;
• waiting for failures;
• there are phobias;
• fast fatiguability;
• general weakness;
• the concentration of attention decreases, the speed of thought processes slows down;
• lack of desire to work.

On the part of the vegetative system is observed:

• cardiopalmus;
• tremor;
• sensation of suffocation;
• increased sweating;
• pain in the solar plexus area;
• chills;
• constipation;
• abdominal pain;
• muscular spasm;
• frequent urination.

These symptoms can be present in many people who are in a stressful state, but if they manifest themselves for a month or more, there is every reason for the diagnosis of "anxiety-depressive syndrome". But finally the conclusion will be given only by the psychotherapist.

[10], [11], [12]

First signs

The main sign that the patient's anxiety-depressive syndrome is anxiety for no apparent reason. He is constantly in a depressed state, accompanied by longing, apathy, increased irritability, inexplicable anxiety. Significantly reduced interest in activities, from which he used to enjoy. The labor activity decreases, it quickly becomes tired with physical loads and actions requiring intellectual expenses. All his thoughts are full of negativity and pessimism. Stiffness in the movements and retardation of reactions are observed.

Such a condition the patient takes for granted and does not pay attention to changes. It is noticed only by others, who should help.

[13], [14], [15], [16], [17]

Complications and consequences

If there is a symptom of an anxiety-depressive syndrome not to seek help from a specialist (psychotherapist, neurologist, psychologist), then this threatens with serious consequences. They are problems in marital relationships, as well as with the rest of the family. Such patients have difficulties in their professional activities, which can lead to dismissal, which will only exacerbate the situation. The risk of accidents increases. If the anxiety-depressive syndrome is diagnosed in parents, it will affect the emotional state of children. This mental disorder can lead to tangible functional impairment and a decrease in the quality of life. The most dangerous consequence is suicidal thoughts and their realization.  

[18], [19]

Complications

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

[20], [21], [22], [23]

Diagnostics of the anxiety-depressive syndrome

Like any deviation in the body's activity, the anxiety-depressive syndrome requires detailed study in order to prescribe the right treatment. To diagnose this disease using a variety of methods, with a view to in-depth study of 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.

[24], [25], [26]

Analyzes

Obligatory in any disease is the surrender of blood and urine analysis. Based on the results of the first parameter, the doctor can determine the presence of a particular pathology, which will determine the further tactics of treating the patient. With an anxiety-depressive syndrome, hemoglobin and ESR, which will help to establish inflammatory processes in blood, whether infectious or allergic, anemia and other blood diseases, will also be important. To exclude the possibility of hormonal factors.

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

[27], [28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34],

Instrumental diagnostics

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

Change in ECG with anxiety-depressive syndrome

Anxiety-depressive syndrome is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the chest area. The patient can complain of a pain in the heart of a piercing nature, a malfunction in his work, namely, "fading", a lack of air. The doctor without fail prescribes an ECG procedure, but the described problems do not find confirmation on the cardiogram. There is tachycardia or high blood pressure. It is possible to identify single extrasystoles. But, despite this, the patients still control their pulse, looking for signs that would indicate the presence of a fatal disease.

[35], [36], [37], [38]

Differential diagnosis

Methods for differential diagnosis are used to determine the severity of the anxiety-depressive syndrome. Based on their results determine the course of treatment.

• The Montgomery-Asberg scale. It is used to determine the severity of the disease and the change in the patient's condition after therapy.
• Hamilton scale: designed to determine the dynamics of depressive states.
• Tsunga scale: used to display self-esteem anxiety and depression. Seven parameters are studied: feelings of emotional devastation, mood changes, somatic and psychomotor symptoms, suicidal thoughts, irritability, indecisiveness.
• Method "Scale of differential diagnosis of depressive states". Its purpose is to determine the level of depression.
• The technique of differential diagnosis of depressive states Zhmurov.

Treatment of the anxiety-depressive syndrome

In the treatment of anxiety-depressive syndrome, the main emphasis is on medication. Do not rule out the use of homeopathic remedies, recipes of alternative medicine and phytopreparations. Only complex therapy will give a positive result. Medicines.

• Imipramine is an antidepressant. It is used to improve health, reduce anxiety, stimulate activity, increase vitality. The initial and maintenance dose is 50/150 mg. Per day, with a gradual increase to 150/250 mg. After the effect is achieved, the dosage of the drug is lowered. Side effects: headache, dry mouth, epileptic seizures, dizziness, palpitations, hallucinations, weakness, tremor, arrhythmia, weakness, decreased libido, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, paresthesia, allergic reactions, impotence. Imipramine is contraindicated in pregnant women, patients with tachycardia, with renal / hepatic insufficiency, with atony of the bladder, with postinfarction syndrome, schizophrenic, those with sensitivity to the components of the drug, children up to two years.
• Fluxovamin - is used to treat all kinds of depressive conditions. 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: it causes drowsiness, raises anxiety, tremors, dry mouth, nausea, visual impairment, anorexia. Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation period, children's age, liver failure.
• Sertraline - is intended for the treatment of depressive conditions. The daily dose: 50 mg., With the subsequent increase to 200 mg. The result will be a week later, a full recovery in a month. The maintenance dose is 50 mg. Side effect: tremor, variance, nausea, dizziness, gait disturbance, menstrual cycle failure, allergic reactions, in men - ejaculation delay. Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation.
• Prozac - is used for depressive states of any kind. The daily dose is 20 mg, with an increase to 80 mg. The drug is divided into two or three doses. With maintenance therapy - 20 mg. Duration of treatment - a month. Side effects: headache, asthenia, hand tremor, attention, memory, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite, allergic reactions, impaired lung and liver function. Contraindications: individual intolerance, renal / hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, anorexia, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Vitamins and minerals

Deficiency of vitamins in the human body, is also one of the factors of the development of anxiety-depressive syndrome. To restore balance, they must be taken in the form of medicinal preparations or increase in their diet the number of products with the largest number.  

• Biotin: beef, liver, milk, cheese, crabs, squid, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, 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, dogrose.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

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

• Electroconvulsive therapy. It is based on the shock of a current that, passing through the brain, causes convulsions, which causes it to work more intensively.
• Electrosleep - with the use of low-frequency current of small force. They cause inhibition in the cerebral cortex, after which it comes to a calm state, improving sleep. Darsonvalization of the scalp and face - a fast-decaying current of high frequency, high tension, low strength, which relaxes, after it increases blood flow, and tissues receive improved nutrition.
• Massage - regardless of the type - manual, hardware or self-massage, it helps relax the muscles and gives a soothing effect.   
• Oxygenotherapy. The patient is placed in a special chamber into which oxygen is supplied under pressure. They are saturated with cells of the body.

Alternative treatment

In the treatment of anxiety-depressive syndrome, prescriptions of alternative medicine are also used:

• 1.5 tbsp. Crushed mint and the same amount of hawthong pour 400ml. Hot water. Cover the container and let it brew for 25 minutes. Strain and take three times a day after meals, for ½ cup.
• 3 tablespoons Straw the oats chop. Pour into any convenient container and pour two cups of boiling water. Let it brew for 8 hours. Drink small portions for a day.
• 50gr. Grated horseradish are poured 0.5 l. Fortified white wine. Place the dish in a dark cool place for ten days. From time to time do not forget to shake. Take 1 tbsp. Three times a day.
• 0.5 sl. Poppy seeds, as many seeds of a blue-head, 200 ml. Of red wine. All the ingredients are mixed and put on fire. Boil 10 minutes on low heat, with constant stirring. Cool, take 1 tbsp. Three times a day.

[39], [40], [41], [42], [43]

Herbal Treatment

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

• Ginseng, from the leaves of which prepare a soothing infusion. Preparations based on ginseng can be found in many pharmacies;
• Angelica. Used in the treatment of depression and nervous exhaustion in the form of infusion. To make a medicine I use the angelica root.
• mountaineer bird. It is used in cases of inhibition and general weakness of the body, which is present in depression.
• aralia of Manchu. Helps with mental illness. To prepare the infusion, take the root of the plant and fill it with alcohol. In addition, calming effect has valerian, nettle, hawthorn, mint, hops and some others.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are widely used in anxiety-depressive syndrome.

• Bioline Stop Smokin - is indicated for anxiety, increased excitability, irritability, nervous tension. Take one tablet every hour, then 4 times a day. Side effect: an allergic reaction. Contraindications: children under 12 years, pregnancy, breast-feeding, hypersensitivity.
• Valerian-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.
• Hypnosed - insomnia, neurasthenia, increased excitability. Dosage: 8 granules per day 4-5 times a day. The course of treatment is three months. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. Side effects: Not revealed.
• Ketud - Sedative agent used for nervous excitement, sleep disturbance against fatigue and nervous excitement. One tablet in the morning and afternoon, in the evening - 2 tablets. 15 minutes before meals. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to components. Side effects: causes allergic reactions.
• Neurosed - Neurotic disorders. The daily intake for adults is 24 pellets. For children - 15 pellets. Half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2 months. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. There were no side effects.

Prevention

In order not to think about the treatment of an anxiety-depressive syndrome in the future, it is necessary to take up prevention already today. It is necessary to increase the number of positive emotions. If the street is bad weather, then it's best to arrange a weekend in a sunny resort. There is no such possibility when decorate the walls of your house and office with bright, cheerful pictures. To reduce stressful situations you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Balance your diet, increase the amount of useful foods in it, abandon bad habits. Go in for sports and choose an active holiday. Allocate time for your favorite occupation. Observe the mode of rest. The key to good health is a dream. Get enough sleep, and you will always have a great mood. A healthy way of life is impossible without the harmony of thoughts and actions. Meditation - will teach you how to control your thoughts. Be friendly to others and avoid aggressive behavior.

[44], [45], [46], [47],

Forecast

Anxiety-depressive syndrome, like any other disorder in each person, proceeds in different ways. To achieve the result, it will take a certain amount of time, as well as patience for the patient himself, as well as the people who surround him. If the symptoms were identified at the initial stage, have a clear distinction, so the cause of the disease is obvious, then the prognosis will be favorable. He is assisted by the behavior of the patient himself, who regularly visits the doctor and follows his recommendations. Gets all-round support from close people. An important factor is a trusting relationship with a doctor, and when the patient himself understands the purpose of treatment and responds adequately to the activities being conducted.

[48], [49], [50],