10 Symptoms of Dysthymia
10. Being Irritable
Anger and depression go hand in hand. In one research study, one-third of people with depression also experienced sudden bouts of anger. Some try to suppress their anger, but it generally surfaces as irritability. Others lose control of symptoms such as rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and feelings of rage. Violent outbursts can occur that risk endangering others in the home.
When children are suffering from persistent depressive disorder, their symptoms may be harder to detect. Young children especially lack the verbal skills to express the sadness they feel. Irritability, however, is a primary symptom for them and is easier for adults to notice. Children may throw tantrums, strike playmates, yell, or complain. While these behaviors seem on the surface to be bad habits that deserve punishment, adults should instead be sensitive to the possibility that they might be signs of underlying depression.
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