What Is The Difference Between Depression and Anxiety?
What Is The Difference Between Depression and Anxiety?
While depression and anxiety can seem very similar, or even be present at the same time, there are some key differences between the two.
Although people can self-identify as depressed or anxious at times, it is important to understand what would qualify as a clinically diagnosable disorder, and also what the differences are between clinical depression and clinical anxiety.
Depression
Within the broad medical term “depression,” there are several sub-classifications, the most common of which include:
Major Depression (also called Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD): a set of at least five of the following symptoms including changes to sleeping patterns, changes in appetite, loss of energy, inner tension, overwhelming gloominess, and lack of interest in surroundings and others for two weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder: a depressed mood that last for at least two years, not always as intense as MDD on a daily basis.
Bipolar Disorder (also called Manic Depression): episodes of low energy depression as well as high energy or activity called mania.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): symptoms of depression emerge throughout fall and winter, likely due to lack of light exposure.
Anxiety
Similarly, anxiety includes the following major subtypes:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): some combination of above-normal levels of inner tension, concern about the future, irritability, fatigue, and restlessness across six months.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): recurring unwanted thoughts or behaviors
Panic Disorder: frequent and unexpected moments of intense fear and accompanying physical symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): developed after experiencing an emotionally intense event where physical harm may have occurred.
Social Phobia (also called Social Anxiety Disorder): abnormal levels of self-consciousness in common social situations.
Depression vs. Anxiety
The most prevalent form of clinical depression is Major Depressive Disorder, and the most common form of clinical anxiety is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. However, even though both of these disorders are relatively common, they can still be challenging to differentiate. In fact, they are not mutually exclusive, and around 50% of people who are diagnosed with depression will also be diagnosed with a form of anxiety!
A Way to Check your Symptoms Online and Anonymously
If you think you may be suffering from depression, take this screening test. If you have above a 10, you should contact a clinician such as a psychiatrist:
https://www.mdcalc.com/phq-9-patient-health-questionnaire-9