What is the difference between Anxiety and Depression? Truth is depression is a symptom sometimes experienced by people with anxiety disorders, and anxiety is sometimes experienced by people with depression. The person experiencing the depression or anxiety often can tell which came first and which is more dominant. Although there is quite a difference between the two it can sometimes be difficult to determine. There are some common symptoms between those suffering from anxiety and those who suffer from depression. The common symptoms are difficulty concentrating, agitation, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Both conditions effect sufferers on a neurological and emotional level. Those who suffer from these conditions may even report experiencing similar symptoms. However the difference between Depression and Anxiety is clear when determined by medical professionals. Anxiety is a normal human emotion that is managed while Depression is a disease that must be treated. You can determine the difference in your own life by looking for symptoms. You may experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. For instance, if you find yourself feeling sad and not motivated for long periods of time you may be experiencing depression. Depressed people are often lethargic due to low mental energy. However, those suffering from an anxiety disorder tend to be high strung, and easily startled, distracted at the quietest times. Another difference is when one is anxious they are most likely to be excited, whereas when one is depressed they tend to be unexcited and dull. Depression is also considered a mood disorder which is actually less serious than anxiety which is considered a psychiatric disorder. There are also different types of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders sometimes involve panic attacks, like panic disorder; fears
Links: to genetics are being found in addition to environmental factors. These kinds of disorders are still widely misunderstood by most of society and as a result, many people with mental health disorders continue to be stigmatized. These disorders "...are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 22.1 percent of Americans ages 18 and older—about 1 in 5 adults—suffer from a diagnosable.." MH disorder "...in a given year. When applied to the 1998 U.S. Census residential population estimate, this figure translates to 44.3 million people. In addition, 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. and other developed countries are .." MH disorders "-major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people suffer from more than one...disorder at a given time." NIMH "Individuals with co-occurring disorders (about 3 percent of the population in 1 year) are more likely to experience a chronic course and to utilize services than are those with either type of disorder alone. Clinicians, program developers, and policy makers need to be aware of these high rates of comorbidity—about 15 percent of those with a" MH"... disorder in 1 year (Regier et al., 1993a; Kessler et al., 1996)." Report of the Surgeon General