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10 Distinct Differences between Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders out there. While some disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are relatively uncommon amongst the general population, anxiety and depression are more the rule rather than the exception, with an estimated 15-20% of the general population experiencing one or the other at any given time.
Despite their prevalence, anxiety and depression are often misunderstood, and only a fraction of those who struggle with these disorders seek treatment for them. Additionally, symptoms of the two are often confused, leading to delayed diagnosis and ineffective treatments. Several symptoms of each disorder overlap, which only serves to further confuse the matter, and in some cases, patients may have both disorders at once. Because of this, it is important to understand the differences between these two common, yet troubling disorders.
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The 10 Major Differences Between Anxiety and Depression.
1. Anxiety is Characterized by Worry-- Depression by Hopelessness
The key difference between anxiety and depression is the way it presents in the behavior of an individual with either disorder. Anxiety, generally speaking, is characterized by excessive fears or worries about something that is out of proportion to the actual issue itself. Those with anxiety disorders may find themselves worrying excessively about their health, relationships, job performance, or finances. These fears cause them significant stress and are often accompanied by "rumination", otherwise known as "overthinking".
Depression, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by a loss of interest in life and a sense of hopelessness. Those with depression often find themselves losing interest in things that once gave them joy, and may withdraw from everyday life due to apathy or a lack of interest. They often have a bleak outlook on the future, and feel as if they will never get better. Whereas anxiety is primarily concerned with excessive worry, depression is primarily concerned with feelings of apathy, guilt, and hopelessness.
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2. Physical Symptoms
Both anxiety and depression are treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication. Some individuals may opt to do one or the other, although several large studies on the issue have found that a combination of both talk therapy and medication to be the treatment course with the highest remission rates, on average.
Despite their name, antidepressants, are often the first-line treatment for both anxiety and depression. Given that many symptoms of both anxiety and depression overlap, researchers have found that certain medications can be effective at treating both conditions.
3. Sleep Issues
4. Methods of Treatment
Both anxiety and depression are treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication. Some individuals may opt to do one or the other, although several large studies on the issue have found that a combination of both talk therapy and medication to be the treatment course with the highest remission rates, on average.
Despite their name, antidepressants, are often the first-line treatment for both anxiety and depression. Given that many symptoms of both anxiety and depression overlap, researchers have found that certain medications can be effective at treating both conditions.
Some medications, however, are not ideal for treating anxiety. It's imperative that you consult with your doctor about the best form of treatment.
5. Root Causes
6. Different Manifestations of the Disorder
7. Different Coping Mechanisms
8. Behavioral Changes
Both anxiety and depression manifest themselves in behavioral changes in the individual who experiences them. Irritability is a common symptom in both, along with disruptions in appetite and sleep. Anxiety, however, may result in dissociative symptoms, such as derealization and depersonalization, that aren't necessarily prevalent in depression. Those with anxiety often feel that they are "going crazy" or becoming disconnected with reality. With anxiety alone, however, this is never the case.
Depression, meanwhile, may occasionally be associated with psychotic symptoms. Those with certain types of depression may find themselves hallucinating and breaking from reality. Although this is fairly rare, it does happen, and is one factor that makes depression distinct from anxiety.
9. Prevalence of the Disorders
10. Prognosis and Management
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