Share:

When it comes to mental health, anxiety and depression are both common. You or someone you know may be living with one of these conditions or both, but some people don’t understand the difference between the two. While they each have some overlapping characteristics, there are some key ways to distinguish these mental health disorders. 

How Depression & Anxiety Differ

Emotional Symptoms

These mental health conditions affect everyone differently, so it’s important to see a psychologist to diagnose them and help you start treatment. While depression and anxiety can occur at the same time, they generally have distinct symptoms. The symptoms of major depression can include a lack of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts. Generalized anxiety disorder can manifest as excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and restless sleep. 

Physical Manifestations

mental healthJust as anxiety and depression each have different emotional symptoms, they also manifest physically. Depression can cause changes in appetite, a lack of energy, and slow movement. Anxiety often manifests as muscle tension, fatigue, and unexplained physical sensations. Similar to the emotional symptoms, the physical symptoms can also overlap. Individuals can also experience both of these conditions at the same time.

Causes

While experts have not yet found specific causes for depression and anxiety, they are each associated with variations in brain chemistry. In patients with depression, researchers have noted lowered levels of dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation. Both of these mental health conditions may also be impacted by serotonin levels, and there is evidence that supports a genetic link to both anxiety and depression.

Treatments

Depending on a patient’s specific needs, a therapist will treat anxiety and depression differently. However, there are more similarities than differences when it comes to treatment. Both conditions can often improve with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. Since many patients will show symptoms of both anxiety and depression, a doctor may prescribe medication to treat both. Depression is often treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but these medications can also treat anxiety. 

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, the right therapist can help you get your mental health in check. Lincoln Psychiatric Group in Lincoln, NE has been providing quality care for over 75 years. This team of compassionate professionals will treat conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They can also provide family and couples counseling, as well as stress management help. To view a full list of services, visit them online. You can also call (402) 476-7557 to make an appointment today.

tracking