Dysphoria (from Greek δύσφορος (dysphoros), from δυσ-, difficult, and φέρω, to bear) is generally characterized as an unpleasant or uncomfortable mood, such as sadness (depressed mood), anxiety, irritability, or restlessness. Etymologically, it is the opposite of euphoria.
Dysphoria refers only to a condition of mood and may be experienced in response to ordinary life events, such as illness or grief. Additionally, it is a feature of many psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders and mood disorders. Dysphoria is usually experienced during depressive episodes, but in people with bipolar disorder, it may also be experienced during manic or hypomanic episodes. Dysphoria in the context of a mood disorder indicates a heightened risk of suicide.
Dysphoria can be chemically induced by substances including µ-opioid antagonists and selective ĸ-opioid agonists. Dysphoria is also one of the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Conditions related to dysphoria
The following conditions may include dysphoria as a major component or symptom.
- Clinical depression (unipolar) and dysthymia
- Bipolar disorder and cyclothymia
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
- General anxiety disorder
- Gender identity disorder, sometimes called gender dysphoria
- Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder
- Substance withdrawal
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Hypoglycemia
- Schizophrenia
Notes
References
- Abbess, John F Glossary of terms in the field of psychiatry and neurology. Retrieved on 2006-11-18..
- "Dysphoria." Alleydog.com Psychology Glossary.
- Metcalf, Matthew; and Coop, Andrew (2005). "Kappa Opioid Antagonists: Past Successes and Future Prospects". The AAPS Journal 7 (3): E704–E722. ISSN 1522-1059. Retrieved on 2006-11-19.
- Read, Kimberly What is dysphoria?. Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder. About.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-19..
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Last updated on Sunday July 20, 2008 at 16:47:34 PDT (GMT -0700)
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