Comorbidity Anxiety Disorders

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, but persistent and excessive anxiety could be due to an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are also often accompanied by other mood and physical disorders.

Depression

• People with depression often have symptoms similar to those of anxiety, such as irritability and sleep problems. Many people with depression have had an anxiety disorder before, although it has not been proven that one causes the other.

Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood shifts between extreme highs and extreme lows, accompanied by significant behavior changes. Anxiety may be a symptom of bipolar disorder, or it may appear alongside it.

Other Anxiety Disorders

• Anxiety disorders often accompany other anxiety disorders. For example, generalized anxiety disorder may be accompanied by specific phobias or panic disorder.

Substance Abuse

• Substance abuse also frequently is associated with anxiety disorders. In some cases, substance abuse is how a person eases anxiety symptoms. In other cases, anxiety may be a symptom of substance abuse or withdrawal.

Other Physical Stress Symptoms

• Anxiety disorder may also be accompanied by other physical disorders commonly related to stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome or headaches.