Chronic Depression & Severe Anxiety Disorder

Depression and anxiety disorders are increasingly common mental illnesses that affect millions of Americans each year. Despite differences in each condition, they often occur together, making the effects of these illnesses more harmful. Understanding the characteristics of each condition is the first step of identifying and treating them.

Facts

• According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million Americans each year, making it the most common mental illness in America. Depression affects 20.9 million Americans annually.

Link Between Depression and Anxiety

• Depression and anxiety are not the same condition; however these mood disorders often occur in concurrence with each other. The co-occurrence of depression and anxiety result in increased severity of symptoms, longer and more difficult treatments and an increased risk of suicide.

Similarities

• Many of the characteristics of depression are synonymous with those of severe anxiety such as irritability, muscle tension, headaches, difficulty sleeping and trouble concentrating.

Differences

• The energy levels between depression and anxiety differ considerably as depression is associated with lower levels of energy and increased fatigue. Depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and disinterest. Anxiety is defined by feelings of panic, restlessness, irrational fear and persistent worry.

Treatment

• As depression and anxiety are both mood disorders, their treatment options are very similar. Anti-depressants are usually prescribed for both conditions, often in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy.