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Difference Between Depression & Gad

Depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are two distinct disorders that sometimes overlap. If you have depression it may cause you to have symptoms that are typical of GAD in addition to your depressive symptoms. If you have GAD, you may become depressed due to chronic worry.

  1. Depression vs. GAD

    • Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a disturbance in mood. GAD is an anxiety disorder characterized by too much anxiety and worry.

    Overlapping Symptoms of GAD and Depression

    • Symptoms that occur in both disorders include: restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability and sleep disturbances.

    Symptoms Characteristic of GAD

    • If you worry excessively about a range of events, find it difficult to control the worry, and experience three or more of the symptoms described above, or muscle tension, you may have GAD.

    Symptoms Characteristic of Depression

    • If you have a sudden depressed mood or a lack ability to feel pleasure and interest in activities that you once enjoyed, and this lasts for at least two weeks, you could have depression.

    Other Symptoms of Depression

    • If you have five or more of any of the overlapping symptoms of GAD and depression or the symptoms listed below, you may have depression. They are: weight loss or gain, slow movements, feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, indecisiveness, or recurrent thoughts of death.

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