Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that depression is one of the most common illnesses in the world and affects sufferers both emotionally and physically. Clinical depression, often seen in combination with anxiety disorders, affects the mind and the body. Like other chronic diseases, depression and anxiety must be treated with ongoing medication and lifestyle changes. Physical symptoms of anxiety and depression vary between individuals and depend on the severity of the illness.
Appetite
Many people who suffer from depression and anxiety have disrupted eating patterns. While some people lose their appetite and lose weight, others turn to food to relieve their anxiety and mood swings and gain weight. Mayo Clinic doctors report that patients lose or gain weight unintentionally when they suffer from mental disorders.
Stress
Anxiety and depression can lead to excess stress, which can take a toll on the body. Common physical symptoms of stress brought on by anxiety and depression include high blood pressure, heart disease and chest pain. When symptoms become more severe, people with anxiety and depression disorders often exhibit physical signs such as upset stomach, headache and heart palpitations. Reduced immunity, chronic back pain and sleep disorders can occur from long-term untreated depression and anxiety.
Cycles
People with bipolar disorder experience swings in physical symptoms as they move between depression and anxiety and manic behaviors. Researchers at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America report that when manic symptoms appear, patients often have increased energy and a reduced need for sleep. They are more irritable and may have an increased libido. When depressed, bipolar patients often exhibit decreased energy, lethargy and disrupted sleep cycles. They may become restless and irritable and have difficulty concentrating.
Co-occurring illness
Doctors at Walden Behavioral Care in Massachusetts report that people with both anxiety and depression can exhibit some symptoms of both disorders at some times and other symptoms associated with both disorders at other times. One of the most common co-occurring physical symptoms associated with anxiety is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Digestive medical problems that come with IBS are nausea, vomiting and alternating constipation and diarrhea. Other medical symptoms associated with anxiety and depression can be difficult to diagnose because they also are present as a result of numerous other medical conditions. Symptoms such as racing heart, profuse sweating, shaking, trembling and hot flashes often are present when patients become depressed or anxious.
