Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that depression is a medical condition that involves a variety of emotional and physical conditions. Anger is a common symptom of depression, a reaction that often occurs because the patient feels a loss of control over everyday life. Depression is a long-term condition that requires both medication and therapy to control the symptoms.
Irritability
Unexplained irritability often presents as anger when patients become frustrated at their inability to concentrate or focus. As the disease progresses untreated, signs of depression and anger can escalate, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Patients may have difficulty maintaining their relationships. They have continuous conflicts, and may begin to have problems at work and home. The anger issues can lead to additional financial, legal and health problems. Depressed patients become angry and irritable as a response to the world when things don't go their way. Suicide and Mental Health Association International (SMHAI) researchers found that people who respond to depression with hostility and irritability are five times more likely to contract serious heart disease that can lead to death.
Substance Abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse is a common symptom of depression. In an effort to self-medicate and control their anger and other debilitating emotions, depressed patients drink to excess or find drugs to change their moods. Researchers at the SMHAI found that depressed patients used substances, from food to drugs and alcohol, to numb their feelings. Depressed patients who develop an addiction are considered to have a co-occurring diagnosis. When substance abuse is being used to overcome anger and depression, symptoms may include additional withdrawal and drastic behavioral changes. While the patient previously may have turned anger inward, the drugs may release inhibitions, allowing him to express his anger more forcefully. Drugs also may interrupt sleep and eating patterns, resulting in weight loss and increased irritability, leading to more drugs and a vicious cycle of addiction and depression.
Despair
Depression and anger are common bi-products of the same illness, report doctors at the SMHAI. Feelings of despair, hopelessness and unworthiness often mask the anger buried beneath the surface. Anger is not always obviously expressed in depressed patients who turn their anger inward. Anger turned inward can lead to destructive behaviors such as self-mutilation or social isolation. Depression that involves uncontrollable anger can lead to suicide or total withdrawal ending in a comatose state. Anger turned inward also is unhealthy because of the energy required to maintain the anger. Depressed people who are angry are at a higher risk of getting infections and experiencing sexual dysfunctions.
