DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
These are two medical issues of concern that have drawn much global attention in the recent years. Both conditions result from normal reactions to certain stressors of life. In most cases, it is not easy to see the distinction between the disorders, due to the fact that persons found to be having one of the conditions are also likely be found with the other one. However, it is worthy to note here that no matter the differences, the two conditions tend to overlap in certain notable ways.
Similarity between Anxiety and Depression
We all undergo irresistible worry or fear at some point in life. This could be because we are expecting something to happen in our lives. It could be a job interview or a baby we are about to welcome in the family, among other things! This is normal, but the worst is likely to happen when those feelings fail to diminish, and we can do nothing to control it. If left to persist, this serious mood condition triggers nervousness thus leading to depression at times. Depression, on the other hand, presents when we fail to control ourselves into coping with certain unbearable situations happening in their lives. As they happen, difficult situations make us feel low and sorrowful at times. As it would be observed, this mood condition has effects that are more serious than those associated with anxiousness, and can result to lose of interest in certain activities or things in life.
Kinds of anxiety disorders
Following is a summary of the main kinds of anxiety disorders common in humans. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder This occurs when people constantly react to stressful happenings in life which make them feel frightened or unsecure. This can include things such as violent attacks and natural disasters or tragedies. These events can trigger constant flashbacks and nightmares among other symptoms that keep on haunting the affected people psychologically.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This occurs when people keep on worrying about certain things for a prolonged period of time. It is about a wide range of issues, and not only one specific matter.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This happens when people have persistent and unavoidable ideas, perceptions or even thoughts about something, thus they keep on doing certain actions to avoid it.
Common Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, and following are some of the main ones.
Major Depression Disorder
This is a major mood problem, mainly identified by a minimum of five of the diagnostic symptoms. Some of the symptoms are as a result of overwhelming loss of interest in certain things or activities.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
This type is identified with by low mood which persists for an extended period. People are said to have this type of mood disorder when they present two of the diagnostic symptoms which include insomnia, fatigue, and hopelessness, among other symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
This is a mood disorder that occurs as a result of the menstrual period in females. The symptoms associated with the condition would normally show up a few days before the menstruation kicks off and extends for the better part of the period. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as hopelessness, peevishness, and moodiness.
Common Symptoms of the disorders
Some common symptoms for these mood conditions include:
- Worried and disturbed behaviors
- Insomnia
- Lack of concentration
- Difficult breath
- Inability to relax
- Lack of interest in certain activities
- Memory lapses
- Constant feelings of worthlessness
Management and treatment
The two mood-related problems can be treated together through a number of strategies that have been proven functional. These may include use of cognitive-behavioral remedy, antidepressant medications, exercise, and relaxation techniques.
