Some people suffer from anxiety and depression. Almost half of the people suffering from depression are also diagnosed with some type of anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Experiencing depressive moods or anxious feelings is common when suffering a loss or dealing with difficult family or financial issues. But depression and anxiety can become serious problems when they interfere in everyday life.
Similarities
Anxiety and depression are different disorders. But there are often similar symptoms, such as irritability, nervousness, insomnia, and an inability to concentrate or make decisions. The disorders also have unique symptoms. Depression may cause sadness, hopelessness or loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. Anxiety may present feelings of fear, apprehension or constant worry.
No Cause
Many people who suffer from depression have an earlier history of anxiety disorder, the ADAA says. People can suffer from depression and anxiety at the same time, but there is no evidence that depression causes anxiety or anxiety causes depression, the ADAA states.
Preschool Links
A five-year Canadian study found that nearly 15 percent of preschoolers have high levels of depression and anxiety. Difficult temperament in the first year of life and maternal depression were among predictors of preschool depression and anxiety, according to the study, which was published in the June 10, 2009, issue of "Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry." The study included university researchers from Canada, France, the U.S. and Ireland.
Heart Disease
Anxiety and depression may be linked together with the frequency of chest pains in heart disease patients, according to a June 29, 2009, report in "Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association." The study found that heart patients who suffered from at least moderate anxiety were more than four times likely to have angina, or chest pains. Patients with depression were three times as likely to have angina. Angina causes pain in the chest, jaw, shoulder, back or arm. It results from inadequate blood supply to the heart. The study of 191 patients suggests anxiety and depression should be addressed in people with frequent bouts of angina.
Matching Treatments
Medical treatment is often the same for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are sometimes used for both disorders. Both anxiety and depression benefit from regular exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters and endorphins, reduces immune system chemicals that have a debilitating effect on depression, and increases body temperature to calm people down. Yoga helps tame stress-response symptoms to treat anxiety and improves the mood and functioning abilities of people with depression, according to Harvard Medical School.
