Dysphoria is the opposite of euphoria, which describes a state of extreme happiness.
There are different types of dysphoria that a person may experience.
We also cover available treatments and ways to cope.
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People who experience dysphoria also appear to think differently.
A 2019 study published inPsychiatry Researchfound that dysphoria was linked to more frequent thoughts about the future.
People with dysphoria reported more negative thoughts and more unrealistic or implausible outcomes.
Its unclear whether more negative thoughts about the future cause dysphoria or whether dysphoria causes a bleaker outlook.
Instead, their symptoms may be too mild or too short in duration to meet the criteria.
Dysphoria may be fleeting or short-lived.
It often resolves quickly.
But long-term dysphoria, which is often related to mental illness, may cause a higher risk of suicide.
Causes of Dysphoria
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to feelings of dysphoria.
People withalcohol dependenceand a mood disorder are especially likely to experience more dysphoria as well as poorer clinical outcomes.
In some cases, dysphoria may lead to heavy drinking.
In other cases, heavy drinking may cause dysphoria.
Mood often improves when a person stops drinking, but the improvement may not be immediate.
Dysphoria often occurs in the weeks followingwithdrawal.
As appetite and sleep improve, dysphoria usually subsides.
Among all depressive symptoms, dysphoria holds the strongest association with smoking outcomes.
Researchers suspect it is central to the development and maintenance of maladaptive smoking.
However, there are different related conditions that may be unofficially considered as types of dysphoria.
Gender Dysphoria
Currently, the term dysphoria is most commonly used when discussinggender dysphoria.
The dysphoria sometimes resolves when the individual transitions or begins to live as the gender they identify with.
However, some people continue to experience dysphoria during and after transitioning.
PMDD is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Tardive Dysphoria
Tardive dysphoria is used to describe treatment-resistant chronic depression.
This throw in of dysphoria is linked to the long-term use of antidepressants.
Start by talking to your physician.
Your doctor will want to rule out any medical conditions or medication interactions that may be causing your dysphoria.
Treatment depends on the cause of the dysphoria.
Find out which option is the best for you.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
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