How are anxiety and depression different?
Amongst other things, depression causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and reduced energy. Anxiety creates feelings of nervousness, worry, or dread. Although the two conditions are different, you can have both at the same time.
What are anxiety and depression?
Put simply ..
- Anxiety is a problem related to fear
- Depression is a problem related to mood.
Of course, inevitably, it is jot quite so simple (“Oh really MyHSN? Never would have guessed that. Ed”). This is because they co-exist, and the treatments are similar.
So what is the difference between anxiety and depression? ..
How are anxiety and depression different?
The main difference between depression and anxiety is the symptoms. Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. You also have no energy and you lose interest in activities you once loved. Some people with depression think about hurting themselves (and at worst suicide).
Anxiety involves fear or worry that you can’t control. Depending on the type of anxiety you have, the worry can surface during everyday activities like meeting new people. If its bad, and a disease, it can be called ‘generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)’.
How are they related?
Both depression and anxiety are very common and often happen together, partly as they are so common (20% of the population have a serious mental illness at some point in their lives).
In fact about 60% of people with anxiety also have symptoms of depression, and vice versa. And each condition can make symptoms of the other get worse or last longer.
Why is this so? Short answer = we don’t know. The same genes may be behind both conditions. Anxiety and depression could also stem from the same structures or processes in the brain. Stress and trauma early in life, and/or recent stressful life events, can trigger both depression and anxiety.
If you have anxiety, you may be at greater risk for depression. So its important to avoid the things you fear might lead to depression.
Can you have anxiety and depression at the same time?
Yes. But it’s a complex picture. Depression and anxiety have some distinct features, and some that overlap.
Also one can lead to another. And, to complicate things further (as stated above), it’s actually possible for someone to experience depression and anxiety at the same time. In fact its not just possible. It’s quite common.
There is even a phrase called ‘Mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MADD)’, which is a new diagnostic category that describes patients who suffer from both anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Similarities in treatments
When it comes to depression and anxiety, one clear similarity is the way they are treated. For both conditions there are two main categories of treatment. These are:
- Psychological (‘talk’) therapy. There is an NHS talk therapist called an IAPT that you may get referred to
- Medication.
Psychological therapies involve talking through your thoughts and feelings with a qualified professional. An example is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT aims to address the way your thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact.
Medicines called ‘antidepressants’ are used for both conditions and are effective for many people. The most common ones are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g. citalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine). But there are lots of others the doctor might try.
For example, there is also a group of ‘minor tranquillisers’ (mainly used for anxiety) called benzodiazepines – e.g. clonazepam, lorazepam, and diazepam. These are also commonly used.
Combination treatment
Treatment will often involve a combination of both psychological therapies, and some combination of these medicines. This will be tailored to the individual and their situation. The doctor may also look to address lifestyle issues as part of the treatment, if they think these may be contributing to the depression or anxiety.
Differences in treatments
For anxiety, its more normal to start with a talk therapy, then add medication if needed.
For some people with depression, it’s normal to start with antidepressants (partly as there is no waiting list for them) then add a talk therapy.
Summary
We have described what are the differences between anxiety and depression. There are some differences, but similarities as well. We hope you understand it better now.
