Anxiety and depression are two different mood conditions: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines anxiety as excessive apprehension or fear, and depression as frequent sadness and frustration. Anxiety and depression can be temporary, brought on by a recent event in the patient's life. If the amount of anxiety and depression interferes with the patient's quality of life and continues for an extended period, it is considered a disorder. Sometimes, a patient can exhibit symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
Physical Symptoms
One group of anxiety symptoms is physical symptoms, which can be disruptive for the patient; the physical symptoms are also the easiest for an observer to identify. The NIH states that a patient may experience twitching or shaking during an anxiety attack. Muscle tension and headaches are also possible. Other physical symptoms of anxiety include sweating and a dry mouth. Abdominal pain is another physical sign, and the NIH notes that this may be the only symptom, especially if the patient is a child.
Psychological Symptoms
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are psychological symptoms, meaning they impact the patient's state of mind. The NIH states that fatigue, concentration problems and agitation are signs of both anxiety and depression. A patient with anxiety may also experience dizziness. With depression, feeling worthless or thinking about death are also psychological symptoms; however, if the patient is contemplating suicide, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Additional Symptoms
Sleeping difficulties are signs of both anxiety and depression, according to the NIH. With anxiety, the patient may have trouble sleeping and can have nightmares. Patients with depression can either have trouble falling asleep, or may sleep too much. Additional symptoms of anxiety include sexual problems, diarrhea and frequent urination. A common symptom of anxiety is a rapid heartbeat, accompanied by faster breathing. Inactivity and withdrawal are also signs of depression. Depressed patients may have a decrease or increase in appetite, which can correlate to a weight change.
