Anxiety and depression are two distinct yet closely associated mood disorders, people commonly experience in their day-to-day life events.
Their co-morbid state, in which both anxiety and depression are found to be equally present, is also one of the most common mood disorder.
Causes:
Although the exact cause is unknown, family history is an important etiological factor. People with history of past traumatic real-life events or abuse such as rape, separation, accidents, death of relatives are at higher risk of developing anxiety depression symptoms.
Women are at higher risk but no scientific theories have been established yet, but may be associated with hormonal changes during menstruation and menopause.
Alcohol or drug abuse, and drug/alcohol withdrawal are also anticipated etiological factors.
Symptoms:
Anxiety depression disorder constitutes impaired mental ability, and functioning which is not usually due to any underlying medical condition, or medication, or any drug or alcohol abuse.
It is usually more difficult to diagnose anxiety depression symptoms in its early stages in order to institute therapies aimed at its full remission.
Some of the symptoms include:
• Difficult to sleep
• Muscle weakness
• Weak memory
• Irritable, nervous, and sobbing nature
• Pessimistic attitude
• Impaired self-esteem
• Low in energy, would not like to engage in any activities
• Feeling of loneliness
• Loss of appetite
• Sexual dysfunction
• Suicidal tendency
Diagnosis.
Depression is easily distinguishable from anxiety, but it is not always easier to diagnose when they are present in their co morbid states. It is thus, always helpful to establish diagnosis as early as possible.
A thorough screening of patient’s real-life events, or any associated physical complaints can be helpful in establishing anxiety depression symptoms.
There may be any underlying medical disease or condition, which should always be looked for, when establishing a diagnosis.
Treatment:
Patients with anxiety depression symptoms are difficult to treat than patients with depression or anxiety alone. They usually tend to withdraw from the therapy in-between. So, it is actually more difficult to institute therapies in such patients.
The possible treatment with anxiolytics would certainly help in its early remission, if instituted in its early stages.
The research suggests that the patients might not respond strongly to traditional anxiolytics therapies when given in later stages. So, in such cases, pharmacotherapy along with psychotherapeutic measures such as individualized cognitive behavioral therapy would essentially be effective in treating various anxiety disorders.
The patients with anxiety depression symptoms develop chronic anxiety and depressive symptoms, and become resistant to therapies.
The treatment should also target residual symptoms which some of these patients continue to have, would lead to its relapse. Hence, sequential pharmaco/psycho therapies should be instituted as early as possible to have a better treatment compliance and longer remission.
Related posts: