Anxiety disorders and depression disorders are very common and may occur simultaneously. In order to obtain proper and effective treatment, it is important to look at your symptoms to determine if you may have an anxiety disorder, a depression disorder or both.
Relationship between Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety disorders and depressive disorders are sometimes referred to as the fraternal twins of mood disorder because they share so many of the same symptoms. Anxiety disorders and depression also frequently occur simultaneously, because anxiety can cause depression and vice versa. In fact, HealthyPlace.com states that 60 perfect of all people with depression will also have anxiety. Fortunately, both anxiety disorders and depression disorders are treatable even when both disorders are present at the same time.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Although each of these disorders will have its own set of symptoms, there are common symptoms that typically are present in any anxiety disorder. These symptoms include constant worrying, irrational fears and uncontrollable anxiety, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
Symptoms of Depression Disorders
Depressive disorders are a group of mental illnesses that include major depression (also referred to as clinical depression), dysthymia and bipolar disorder. As in the case of anxiety disorders, each depressive disorder has its own set of symptoms, but some symptoms that are common in all depressive disorders can include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, insomnia or problems sleeping, decreased energy or feeling fatigued, feelings of guilt or pessimism, anger and irritability, worry and anxiety, changes in appetite and weight, difficulty concentrating, unexplained aches and pains and thoughts of death or suicide or even suicide attempts, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
