Millions of people experience symptoms of depression and anxiety in the United States every day. Although depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, they are different disorders. Clinical depression involves feelings of lethargy and hopelessness. People who are clinically depressed may feel overwhelmed.
On the other hand, anxiety typically relates to fear. People with anxiety often experience a constant sensation that something is about to go wrong. Distinguishing between depression and anxiety may enable individuals to understand what they are experiencing, and to take important steps toward emotional wellness, including taking prescription medications for anxiety.
The main symptom of anxiety disorder is an excessive and irrational sense of fear or worry. Other emotional anxiety symptoms may include:
Anxiety symptoms are often physical as well as emotional, especially in the presence of a panic attack — a bout of intense fear that comes on suddenly and without warning. Physical anxiety symptoms include:
Scientists believe that anxiety is partly due to imbalances in brain chemistry, much like major depressive disorder. In many cases, chronic depression is accompanied by an anxiety disorder. Many depressed people struggle with panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anxiety disorders complicate depression. When the two disorders manifest at the same time, the symptoms of both disorders are often more severe and take longer to heal. People who suffer from depression with anxiety are more likely to attempt suicide than those struggling with depression alone.
Because anxiety is so often linked to depression, doctors often prescribe antidepressant medication in an effort to treat the depression. However, various types of anxiety medication exist as well. The most common type of anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® or Ativan®. These are best used for treating short-term anxiety disorders and can cause dependency issues if taken for too long.
An anxiety disorder can also be treated with therapy and lifestyle changes. Yoga and other relaxation exercises help reduce the stress that triggers anxiety. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, and you'd like to alleviate your anxiety symptoms:
Croft, H. (2010). The relationship between depression and anxiety. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from the Healthy Place website: http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/main/relationship-between-depression-and-anxiety/menu-id-68/.
Grohol, J.M. (2007). Generalized anxiety disorder. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from the Psych Central website: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx24.htm.
Smith, M. (2008). Anxiety attacks and disorders. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from the Help Guide website: http://helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_types_symptoms_treatment.htm.
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