Depression and anxiety have some similar symptoms and can often cause one another. There are ways to tell which one a person suffers from by looking at all the symptoms that are present. In addition, the causes are similar, but genetics plays a role in the chance of getting one or the other. All these things should be taken into account when treatment is sought.
Significance
Depression remains the most prevalent mental health problem in America. Depression can cause anxiety, while having anxiety can bring on depression. The two issues have many similar aspects including presentation, causes and treatment. However, depression is more serious as people suffering from it are often suicidal while those with anxiety alone usually aren't. Proper diagnosis can make seeking treatment easier and more effective.
Causes
The National Institute of Mental Health says that the main cause behind anxiety and depression is an abnormality in serotonin transfer. Specifically, causes that can bring this on include genetics, trauma and stress. Substance abuse can also cause an anxiety disorder. Depression can also be caused by personality, physical conditions such as cancer or paralysis, and other mental disorders such as eating disorders, schizophrenia and substance abuse. Whatever the cause, proper treatment is essential to a good prognosis.
Symptoms
A person with depression often feels empty, sad and hopeless and presents physically with a slowed down and slumped body and a lack of energy. On the other hand, a person with anxiety feels fear and presents physical symptoms such as sped up heart rate and bowel function. Additionally, anxiety can lead to muscle tension and disassociation. A person suffering from depression loses interest in things he felt passionate about before, while anxiety will give a person perfectionistic tendencies. Finally, anxiety can cause a fear of death while depression can make a person suicidal.
Treatments
There are many treatments that are used for both depression and anxiety. These include prescription antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or a combination of the two. In addition, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America recommends eating a healthy and balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise, which can help increase serotonin levels in the brain. Anxiety is often treated with exposure therapy and depression can be treated with interpersonal therapy.
Prognosis
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that with long-term treatment, depression and anxiety have a good sustained prognosis. Medication combined with therapy and sometimes acupuncture, yoga and meditation as well as diet and exercise changes can help a person achieve a sense of normalcy. Whatever the treatment method, a person with anxiety or depression needs to work closely with a therapist.
