What Is Major Depressive Disorder With Generalized Anxiety?

Major depressive disorder is a psychiatric condition that involves a severely depressed mood most of the time over a two-week period or longer. This condition often has other features associated with it, which can include anxiety.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder is a condition that involves excessive worry and agitation that occurs most of the time over a six-month period or longer.

Dual Diagnosis: Depression and Anxiety

• Depression and anxiety commonly occur together and when there is a dual diagnosis of major depression and generalized anxiety the condition becomes far more complex, which effects treatment and outcomes.

Impact

• Anxiety symptoms that occur within a depressive disorder makes the overall condition more resistant to treatment and increases the likelihood of symptoms recurring and becoming more severe than they otherwise would be.

Medication

• Generalized anxiety disorder also reduces the effectiveness of anti-depressant medication often requiring multiple medications to be used increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Outcome

• The likelihood of full recovery is diminished in patients with both depression and anxiety disorders and more research is needed to understand their complex interaction and develop more effective treatment strategies.