How Is Depression Distinct from Anxiety?

Depression and anxiety are two common mental health conditions that are frequently confused with one another. Every year, around 56 million people in India experience significant depressive episodes, and almost 38 million people suffer from an anxiety disorder. While these two illnesses frequently co-occur and are somewhat relevant, they are intrinsically distinct conditions.

Determining whether someone is depressed or anxious can be difficult because both the conditions have overlapping symptoms. However, there is a fine line between the characteristics of these two illnesses. Understanding the distinction is critical for dealing with them effectively and appropriately.

How Is Depression Distinct from Anxiety

Causative difference

Depression and anxiety are categorized as distinct mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).

Depression is a mood condition characterized by a sense of melancholy and emptiness, whereas anxiety is distinguished by a sense of worry, fear, or anxiousness. Both illnesses, however, are caused by a neurotransmitter imbalance, specifically dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Anxiety can co-occur as a symptom of depression, and nearly half of those diagnosed with depression also have anxiety issues.

Aside from neurotransmitters, there may be other variables that may contribute to depression and anxiety. Depression can be caused by a disruption in brain chemistry, heredity, a traumatic experience, a lengthy sickness, or substance dependence and abuse. Anxiety, on the other hand, can be induced by environmental circumstances, trauma, or it can be an innate risk factor.

Other distinctions between the diseases include the symptoms and the medications used to treat them.

Classification difference

Depression can be of the following types:

· Major depressive episode (MDD)

· Persistent depressive disorder

· Bipolar disorder

· Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

· Psychotic depression

· Postpartum/peripartum depression

· Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMMD)

· Situational depression

· Atypical depression

· Treatment-resistant depression

Meanwhile, anxiety disorders are classified as follows:

· Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

· Panic disorder

· Social anxiety disorder

· Separation anxiety

· Agoraphobia

· Phobias

· Selected mutism

Note: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two other mental health illnesses that exhibit symptoms like that of an anxiety disorder. Earlier, both these disorders were categorized as types of anxiety disorder.

Symptomatic difference

Depression and anxiety have distinct behavioral and emotional symptoms that set them apart from each other. These are:

Depression

· Low energy levels

· Sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal

· Hopelessness

· Appetite shifts

· Suicidal ideation

· Feeling emptiness or numbness

· Loss of interest in regular activities

· Low self-esteem

Anxiety

· Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

· Dizziness

· Inability to concentrate

· Perspiring palms

· Restlessness

· Overthinking or obsessive thinking

· Indecisiveness

· Physical upheaval

What is the relationship between depression and anxiety? What are the parallels?

Depression and anxiety are not the same, yet they do have some common characteristics and a connection. A lot of depression patients suffer from anxiety. Co-occurrence of these two conditions is common because major depressive episodes can produce anxiety, and recurrent anxiety can cause depression.

Depression and anxiety each have their own set of symptoms. However, many symptoms are shared by both illnesses, including:

· Isolation

· Nausea

· Irritability

· Loss of interest in hobbies or other activities

· Changes in sleep or appetite

· Inability to concentrate

What are the differences between antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications?

Treatment for both depression and anxiety requires the intake of reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the two types of reuptake inhibitors.

Antidepressant drugs, such as nortriptyline, are used to treat depression, whilst anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, are used to treat anxiety.

Misdiagnosis common

Often anxiety disorders can masquerade as depression, making misdiagnosis easy and highly prevalent. According to a study conducted in a primary care context, the rate of misdiagnosing major depressive disorder was 65.9 percent, generalized anxiety disorder was 71 percent, and panic disorder was 85.8 percent. Furthermore, this rate of misdiagnosis reached 92.7 percent in the case of bipolar disorder and 97.8 percent in the case of social anxiety disorder.

Treatment difference

Depression and anxiety, both can be treated. Treatment for these diseases is typically a combination of medication and psychotherapy (including talk treatments and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)) however, the approach in both the conditions is different.

Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for depression assists individuals in resuming activities that they had abandoned owing to depression but are still dear to them. On the other hand, CBT for anxiety can assist individuals in changing the way they react to a situation or the mental process that creates anxiety.

How we can assist

People suffering from anxiety and depression are frequently subjected to prejudice because of the stigma associated with mental health disorders. According to various experts, stigma discourages people from getting therapy. However, remember that you or a loved one is not alone when dealing with mental health issues. Mental health problems are as common and treatable as physical health problems. Therefore, do not feel embarrassed or ashamed about a mental health disorder.

Athena Behavioural Health is the leading Mental Health Treatment Facility in India. We practice the latest techniques in Mental Health Treatment and offer effective Mental Health Treatment Programs under a safe, secure and private environment. Our psychologists are trained by global leaders and are well experienced in helping patients deal with difficult situations and conditions. For more information about our Depression and Anxiety Treatment Programs, WhatsApp 9289086193 or chat with our representative. We are available 24*7*365 to assist you.