What are the symptoms of anxiety vs. depression? The two conditions are often linked but actually represent different kinds of mental health disorders. Depression is a mood disorder. Anxiety is an entire class of conditions. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in Ellenboro, NC, we treat both conditions alone or as part of a co-occurring disorder with substance abuse for teenage boys between the ages of 14 and 17.
Types of Anxiety vs. Depression
Common types of anxiety vs. depression disorders that we handle include:
- Generalized anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Phobia
- Seasonal depression
- Bipolar disorder
If you believe that you or a loved one suffer from any of these disorders, contact us to find out how to get help. Depression is characterized by overwhelming sadness and despondency. Meanwhile, anxiety is overwhelming stress and worry over a feared adverse outcome. When learning the differences between anxiety vs. depression, consider the unique symptoms of each disorder.
Different Symptoms of Anxiety vs. Depression
When you compare the symptoms of anxiety vs. depression, the two conditions become much clearer.
The symptoms of anxiety might include:
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Obsessive thought patterns
- Nausea
- Isolation
- Changes in appetite
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
Although depression has similar symptoms as anxiety, excessive worry and fear aren’t typically associated with depression. Conversely, depression causes suicidal thoughts more than anxiety.
What Medications Are Used for Anxiety vs. Depression?
The type of medicines used for depression and anxiety are referred to as reuptake inhibitors. There are a number of different reuptake inhibitors, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.
If appropriate, your doctor will recommend one of these medications for anxiety vs. depression. Sometimes, SSRIs or SNRIs are insufficient to manage a particular case of anxiety disorder or depression. SSRIs slow down the transportation of serotonin, which increases your body’s retention of serotonin to help you manage depressive disorder or anxiety. Additionally, SNRIs block the serotonin and norepinephrine transport, restoring a chemical balance in your brain.
There are also dedicated medications for each disorder period, for example, anti-depressive medicine like nortriptyline is designed for use with depression. Alternately, benzodiazepines alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Similar Medications
Your doctor may prescribe SSRIs and SNRIs with anxiety or depression. However, SSRIs mainly treat anxiety disorders and severe depression. SSRIs used in the United States include Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa.
Further, SNRIs mainly treat generalized anxiety disorders and some types of major depression. Examples include Pristiq and Cymbalta.
Are Anxiety and Depression Linked?
Technically, anxiety and depression are not linked. However, they often occur together. Effective treatment for either disease should consider whether you need to be treated for both anxiety and depression.
If you are wondering whether you have anxiety vs. depression, the counselors at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help you understand the differences. Our dedicated staff directs you toward programs that teach you to cope with depression and anxiety with confidence.
Similarities in Symptoms
Because so many symptoms are similar in anxiety versus depression, it may be hard to tell the difference. Symptoms that occur in both illnesses include:
- Isolation
- Inability to concentrate
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Lack of interest in your favorite activities
Who Can You Talk to About Your Anxiety vs. Depression
Anxiety and depression can cloud your perspective and dampen positive experiences. Seek assistance from a mental health professional, such as the counselors and therapists at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Both of these conditions may lead to isolationism. This can impact performance at work or school. Also, you may turn to substance abuse as a way to self-medicate negative feelings.
If your teenage son relies on drugs or alcohol to relieve anxiety and depression, consider enrolling them in our substance abuse rehabilitation program. Our team of experts provides comprehensive co-occurring treatment to give you healthy coping skills, so you won’t rely on drugs or alcohol to enhance your mood.
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery online or call us at 866.300.5275 to begin your journey toward recovery today.
