Anxiety and depression share similarities in signs and symptoms but also have many differences. People struggle with these disorders separately and combined, and both disorders can be extremely debilitating.
Basics
With both of these disorders, the disorder would greatly impact the person's work or schoolwork, family and friends. Someone struggling with anxiety or depression may seem irritable on a regular basis.
Emotional Symptoms
When someone is struggling with depression they're more likely to be overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, and when someone is struggling with anxiety she is more likely to feel overwhelmed by constant worrying and apprehension. Another difference is the presence of thoughts of suicide in depression, unlike in anxiety.
Physical Symptoms
With anxiety and depression, there can be headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems. However, anxiety also consists of many other physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, racing heart and frequent urination.
Treatment
Anxiety and depression are serious disorders that deserve the attention of a licensed mental health professional. Treatment recommendations consist of therapy, support groups and medication for both disorders.
Medication
Both disorders can be treated with some antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; however, doctors do prescribe separate medications that aren't used for both disorders.
