We all experience anxiety or depression from time to time as emotional states. Common anxieties include worry about finances or health concerns; depression may occur after a breakup or during times of grief. However, extended periods of unmanageable anxiety and depression may meet the criteria for a mental disorder.

The terms “anxiety” and “depression” have come to mean anything from a fleeting mood to a clinical diagnosis. Many find it difficult to understand the differences between pathological anxiety and depression. There are several reasons for this confusion.

First, both fall into the mood disorder spectrum of the mental health diagnostic manual. Certain symptoms (such as change in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance) exist in both types of disorders. Second, a patient may qualify for both diagnoses because depressive and anxiety disorders frequently co-occur. Similarly, observation over time may reveal that a single anxious or depressive episode is part of a bipolar disorder cycle. Third, depression and anxiety manifest differently in each individual and may not look the same across cases. And finally, some medications are used to treat both depression and anxiety disorders, which suggests brain chemistry similarities between the two conditions.

All of these factors add to the complexity of mood disorder diagnosis. However, a qualified mental health practitioner can sort through these subtleties, determine the proper diagnosis, and suggest a personalized treatment regimen.

Here are some basic facts about anxiety and depression to clarify their similarities and differences.

Anxiety

Anxiety refers to a subjective sense of discomfort such as tension, worry, or nervousness. The term can apply to an emotional state or certain physical states or behaviors that indicate the emotional state of anxiety. For example, physical states would include butterflies in the stomach or increased heart rate, while behaviors might include clenched teeth or jittery habits like toe-tapping. Everyone feels anxiety on occasion, and most people learn to manage their fears and worries so that they don’t interfere with daily functioning.

However, a persistent pattern of anxious feelings and behaviors might lead to a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, especially if the symptoms are overwhelming. Anxiety disorders include but are not limited to the subcategories of: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the phobias. Someone with an anxiety disorder may feel wound up, uptight, manic, irritable, terrified, or confused.

Anxiety symptoms and conditions such as recurrent insomnia, agoraphobia, traumatic flashbacks, and panic attacks can be debilitating. Treatments vary according to individual needs, but medications and cognitive-behavioral therapies can provide relief from the physical and emotional distress of an anxiety disorder.

Depression

In casual conversation, people often say they are depressed when they feel disappointed or experience a loss of some kind. Symptoms may include sadness, fatigue, or lack of motivation. But like anxiety, this mood state commonly passes with time.

In some cases, depression is more than a passing mood. Clinical depression refers to two or more weeks of profound sadness, hopelessness, or despair that interferes with daily functioning and enjoyment of life. Difficulties making decisions, pessimism, and withdrawal often accompany this condition. Depressed individuals may describe their feelings as heavy, dark, or oppressive. They tend to lose interest in work and social activities and may have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The presence of suicidal thoughts indicates a need for immediate attention.

Depression symptoms include lack of motivation and negative thinking, which may cause sufferers to delay or avoid seeking treatment. However, counseling, medication, and exercise can greatly benefit people with depressive disorders.

When to Seek Help

In general, mental health disorders involve a pattern of disruptive symptoms that do not fade over time. When anxiety or depression affects daily activities and relationships, it’s probably time to seek treatment. If you have suicidal thoughts or intentions, call your health care provider or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) immediately.

It’s important to get a professional opinion because anxiety and depression can be linked to underlying medical problems. A doctor or mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms and direct you to the proper course of treatment. Both anxiety and depression respond well to therapy and medication, so don’t hesitate to seek advice if you suspect that you suffer from one of these conditions.

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Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns is a self-help book based on cognitive therapy techniques, which combat the worry and negative thinking associated with depression and anxiety. This book helped me recover from depression and I highly recommend it, especially in combination with other therapies. Click the box below to read excerpts or buy it on Amazon.com:



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Note: Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health or medical professional with any questions or concerns regarding a mental health or medical condition. The material presented on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as clinical, psychological, or medical advice. If you are in crisis or have a mental health emergency, call your doctor, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 911, or go to your local emergency room.