Anxiety and depression - warning signs to look for

Anxiety and Depression may be viewed as flip sides of the same coin. For those suffering from a depressive disorder, anxiety is often the catalyst which sets a depressive cycle in motion. Similarly, fear of succumbing to another depressive episode may cause patients to become incredibly anxious, which in turn accelerates the onset of another depressive episode.

Depression has been linked to a number of different anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that more than half of those who suffer from depression may also suffer from some form of anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Common anxiety disorders include social anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder.

Many of those suffering from anxiety disorders end up blaming themselves for the symptoms which they experience. An Acrophobic for instance may avoid an important social gathering in a penthouse suite due to his paralysing fear of heights. Whilst sitting alone of home, he may become increasingly angry and disappointed in himself for letting other people as a result of his down paralysing anxieities. This self blame in turn results in negative emotions, sleeplessness, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts- the majority of which are actually common in the majority of depressive disorders.

Research suggests that those suffering from a combination of a depressive disorders and anxiety disorders are likely to experience symptoms far more acutely than when mood disorders occur autonomously. In addition, depressive patients who simultaneously suffer from one or more anxiety disorders are far more likely to make attempts on their own lives than those suffering from depressive disorders alone.

The main problem with anxiety and depressive mood disorders is the fact that they are so similar that during diagnosis one sub type is often confused with another. A person suffering from depression may put their symptoms down to anxiety or stress, whilst someone suffering from post traumatic stress disorder may think that the symptoms he is experiencing are a sign of the natural depression which follows a sad or traumatic event.

Both anxiety disorders and depressive disorders need to be swiftly diagnosed and treated. Anxiety disorders usually respond relatively quickly to therapy and may be treated with a combination of mild tranquilizers and psychotherapy. Depressive disorders on the other hand may require stronger medication and usually take longer to respond to treatment. It is therefore advisable to treat signs of depression before addressing symptoms of anxiety. It is not uncommon for of anxiety disorders to disappear completely when depressive disorder symptoms are brought under control.

To be sure your depression is not as a result of addiction - please see our sister site Guide4Living on drug abuse and addiction.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Anxiety and Depression

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