Understanding the Anxiety and Depression Types—Type 6: Cyclic Anxiety/Depression

The hallmark of Type 6: Cyclic Anxiety/Depression is a cyclic pattern of low moods or anxiousness. People with this type tend to experience major mood swings, their depression or anxiety comes and goes, or it increases and decreases in severity. Cyclical disorders, such as bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), and panic attacks are part of this category because they are episodic and unpredictable. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is associated with winter blues, is a variant of this type. Type 6: Cyclic Anxiety/Depression is a spectrum disorder, which means you can have a very mild form or a very severe form, or anything in between. A person can have a mild form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or a mild cyclic mood disorder, or the problems can be so severe that they are debilitating or even life-threatening. Cyclic Anxiety/Depression must be closely and skillfully monitored, especially at critical times in the course of the disorder, such as when a person is experiencing intense stress, going through a hormonal transition, or changing medications. The hallmark of Type 6: Cyclic Anxiety/Depression is a cyclic pattern of low moods or anxiousness.

Click to tweet

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 6: CYCLIC ANXIETY/DEPRESSION

People with this type generally have 4 symptoms from Pure Anxiety (Type 1) and/or Pure Depression (Type 2) in addition to at least 4 “cyclic” symptoms. Anxiety symptoms include:

• Frequent feelings of nervousness or anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Avoidance of people or places due to a fear of having anxiety or panic attacks
• Symptoms of heightened muscle tension (headaches, sore muscles, hand tremor)
• Periods of heart-pounding, nausea, or dizziness
• The tendency to predict the worst
• Multiple persistent fears or phobias (such as dying or doing something crazy)
• Conflict avoidance
• Excessive fear of being judged or scrutinized by others
• Being easily startled or a tendency to freeze in anxiety-provoking or intense situations
• Shyness, timidity, and getting easily embarrassed
• Biting fingernails or picking skin

Depression symptoms include:

• Persistent sad or “empty” mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that are usually fun, including sex
• Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
• Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening
• Loss of appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
• Decreased energy fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
• Persistent negativity or chronic low self-esteem
• Persistent feeling of dissatisfaction or boredom

Cyclic Symptoms

• Abnormally elevated, depressed, or anxious mood
• Decreased need for sleep, feeling energetic on dramatically less sleep than usual
• Grandiose notions, ideas, or plans
• Increased talking or pressured speech
• Racing thoughts
• Markedly increased energy
• Poor judgment leading to risk-taking behavior (departure from usual behavior)
• Inappropriate social behavior
• Irritability or aggression
• Delusional or psychotic thinking

TYPE 6: CYCLIC ANXIETY/DEPRESSION IN THE BRAIN

Type 6: Cyclic Anxiety/Depression is associated with extremely high activity in the brain’s basal ganglia and/or deep limbic system. These areas of excessive activity act like “emotional seizures” as the emotional centers hijack the brain for periods of time in a cyclical pattern. Not surprisingly, SPECT scan findings for this type vary depending on the phase of the disorder. For example, a woman with severe premenstrual syndrome may show only increased focal deep limbic activity during the unaffected time of her cycle. However, during the worst time of her cycle, her scans may show not only increased focal deep limbic activity but also decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex (associated with trouble concentrating and impulsivity) and increased activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (associated with getting stuck on thoughts or behaviors).

INTERVENTIONS FOR TYPE 6: CYCLIC ANXIETY/DEPRESSION

In some cases, people with cyclic mood disorders or anxiety may require medication to stabilize moods. This needs to be monitored very closely. There are other natural solutions that may be beneficial, including:

• Diet: Consuming foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids—such as salmon, tuna, avocados, and walnuts—promotes healthier moods.
• Supplements: Taking supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, GABA, saffron, or SAMe, may be helpful.
• ANT therapy: Learning to challenge the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that infest your mind can help create a more positive mood.
• Psychotherapy: Therapy and other psychological interventions can help you learn how to decrease the stressors that may trigger an episode of the disorder.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood swings, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.