Aggression in depression
introduction
In the context of depression, aggression occurs under certain circumstances. Aggression is an attack-oriented behavior towards other people, oneself (Autoaggression) and to judge against things.
As with people who are not mentally ill, this behavior cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. For treatment, disciplinary methods are used that are determined in medical institutions. The focus of coping is on recognizing and tackling the underlying problem.
Why does aggressive behavior occur in depression?
Aggressive behavior in depression is caused by a variety of reasons.Depression as illness due to environmental influences, such as due to assault, trauma in the past, social isolation, as well as genetic predisposition shows a variety of reasons for the outbreak.
Due to the mostly lonely personalities, the form of aggression can be used to attract attention. The lack of attention is bridged and people around show an increased willingness to talk and commitment. Accompanied by mood swings, aggression can be caused at any time by lost emotional control. The patient's fears play a major role here. If these are not noticed by the relatives, the patient can be brought into situations that pose a threat to him.
Another aspect of aggression can often be the proposed therapy, in which the patient sees no benefit and therefore rejects it. However, doctors and relatives expect strict adherence to the therapy, which from the patient's point of view leads to an apparent immaturity and thus leads to aggression due to a lack of stress management.
More information on the topic you'll find here depressions
How is the aggression expressed in women?
On average, women are just as likely to develop depression as men, new research shows. A more intensive search for help can usually detect the disease more quickly in women than depression. Because women often show a strong willingness to talk in the context of depression. If this is not the case, episodes of aggression can also be symptoms of depression.
On average, women with an aggressive experience are younger than depressed women without aggression. The course of the disease is more serious than without aggressive action. This means that it is severe depression that is already chronic and is also harder to treat.
The woman's aggressions are to be assessed as rather indirect, which means that they are not fully aware. It is rather hidden and hides behind the helplessness in depression.
The potential of the destructive expression is nevertheless high. This probably also shows the high rate of suicide attempts in depression. The form of indirect aggression is due, among other things, to the fact that society demands a high level of pressure to expect a “female goodness” within the framework of family cohesion and the upbringing of children.
Read more about the topic here: Symptoms of depression
How is the aggression expressed in men?
According to the latest findings, the frequency of depression in men represents a comparably high number of new cases per year as in women.
Diagnosing depression in men is usually described as difficult. Factors for this are based, among other things, on social expectations towards men. They tend to hide the typical symptoms of numbness and hopelessness.
Symptoms of irritability, overexcitability and aggression are much more common and mask the initial suspicion of depression. The aggression is presented as an outwardly directed verbal hostility and reproach towards other people. The aggressive behavior is usually accompanied by increased cigarette and alcohol consumption.
An additional noticeable behavior is the often little help-seeking behavior due to active rejection of the depression-shaped situation. The tendency to aggression in depressed men also promotes risk-taking in the person's actions. The greater willingness to take risks increases the possibility of endangering others and oneself. Attempted suicide (Suicide attempts) three times more successful, although the number of suicide attempts is higher in women. This shows the more pronounced quality of autoaggression in men to show uncompromising behavior.
Find out more about the topic here: What types of depression are there?
What therapeutic approaches are there against aggression?
The therapeutic approach for aggression in the context of depression is based on the origin that justifies the derailed behavior. The severity of the disease is also differentiated and an outpatient or inpatient treatment is initiated. The treatment is based on medication according to a fixed scheme of antidepressants and / or mood stabilizers. In addition, psychotherapeutic methods are used.
If physical reasons are the triggering factor, these become the focus of the treatment approach, with simultaneous therapy of the patient's psychological problems resulting from this. If acute attacks of aggression occur, these can best be countered in medical facilities. In addition to the approaches already mentioned, the trained handling of the staff for de-escalation also plays a role.
Methods such as restricting visitors and banning visitors for a certain period of time support the course of therapy for medicinal and non-medicinal measures.
The most important aspect is based on continuous support through neutral discussions. In pathological and uncontrollable conditions, such as delusions, the safety of patients and other people must first be guaranteed. This can be done through sedative medication and restraint.
Can medication help?
The use of drugs as an aid in aggressive behavior must be questioned at any time and its effect evaluated. The severity of the disease must be taken into account.
If the patient is aggressively aggressive in the context of an acute depression, but shows a constructive reaction in the patient-oriented and clarifying discussion, medication can be dispensed with if necessary. If the patient is in an uncontrolled state due to his mental illness, then medication to shield against stimuli and to reduce the psychological stress on the patient is beneficial.
Find out more about the topic here: Drugs for depression.
What do I do as a partner against the aggression?
When confronted with aggression in a partnership, the same rules of conduct and manners apply as a principle as they apply in any interpersonal contact. The aggressor is shown clear limits and made clear that the attacking behavior is not to be tolerated. It is helpful to use clear language and expression, which should not appear threatening or disrespectful, as this can reignite the aggressive behavior.
There are reasons for the aggression to be found why the partner may react in this way. Mental constrictions can play a role here, in which the patient only perceives his environment to a reduced extent and does not fully understand it, as he suffers from depression.
Likewise, a large number of people, for example family, talking about the illness and coping strategies with the depressed person acts as an attack. Therefore, with regard to the illness and aggressive behavior, the person with the greatest trust should always be the person to talk to.
In the event of behavior that is harmful to others or to yourself, it is essential to call for police help. Everyone involved should keep a safe distance so as not to irritate the aggressor unnecessarily and to keep a distance to their own safety.
Read more about the topic here: My partner has depression - how can I help?
What to do if the aggression is against yourself
In the case of symptoms in which the aggression turns away from the environment and directed against itself, open and understanding communication is required. It is important to take the relatives seriously in their statements, fears and aggression.
Willingness to talk, especially on the part of confidants, is the basis. A regular daily routine with integrated exercise, such as going for a walk, can reduce aggression and stop the progressive course of the depression. Motivation attempts for all activities are to be supported, but only taking into account the will of the sick person.
In supposedly hopeless cases, in which the motivations and support do not cause any change, third parties should be brought in. Medical help is conceivable here, for example from the family doctor who already knows the sick person and so there is a basis of trust. In addition, he also has medicinal and psychotherapeutic options, such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapies.
