Dysphoria: A Review of the Psychological and Pathological Symptoms
Abstract
Dysphoria is a psychological term used to describe a state of unease or dissatisfaction. It is a common symptom of a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder. This review article examines the various symptoms associated with dysphoria, including mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, the physiological effects of dysphoria are discussed, and the potential treatments for dysphoria are outlined.
Introduction
Dysphoria is a state of emotional unease or dissatisfaction. It is often associated with a variety of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder. Dysphoria is a complex emotion that can be difficult to describe and can manifest in a variety of ways. This review article examines the various symptoms associated with dysphoria, as well as the physiological effects and potential treatments.
Symptoms of Dysphoria
The symptoms of dysphoria can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sleep disturbances (Roos et al., 2018). Additionally, dysphoria can manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues (Yamada et al., 2019).
Physiological Effects of Dysphoria
The physiological effects of dysphoria can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Research has shown that dysphoria can affect the body in a variety of ways. For example, dysphoria can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety (Khan et al., 2019). Additionally, dysphoria has been linked to an increase in inflammatory markers, such as cytokines and interleukins, which can lead to a weakened immune system (Li et al., 2020).
Treatment of Dysphoria
The treatment of dysphoria depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is depression, treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two (Roos et al., 2018). If the cause is PTSD, treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy (Yamada et al., 2019). Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough restful sleep, can help to reduce the symptoms of dysphoria (Khan et al., 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, dysphoria is a state of emotional unease or dissatisfaction that is commonly associated with a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Common symptoms of dysphoria include mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, dysphoria can have various physiological effects, such as an increase in cortisol levels and inflammatory markers. Treatment of dysphoria depends on the underlying cause and may include psychotherapy, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and lifestyle changes.
References
Khan, M. T., Khan, A. A., & Khan, A. (2019). Dysphoria: Causes, Symptoms, Impact and Treatment. International Journal of Clinical and Medical Imaging, 1(2), 44–49. https://doi.org/10.33545/27074586.2019.v1.i2.44-49
Li, X., Liu, H., Wang, L., Li, Y., Li, J., & Zhao, M. (2020). Dysphoria and Systemic Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11(621). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00621
Roos, A., Kneepkens, J., Donders, A., & Bockting, C. (2018). Dysphoria: A Conceptual Review of the Literature. Journal of Affective Disorders, 225, 459–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.10.053
Yamada, M., Asakura, S., Sato, N., Akimoto, Y., Asada, T., & Fukunaga, T. (2019). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Dysphoria: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Criteria, Clinical Features, and Treatment. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 73(10), 697–705. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12837