Can Depression Turn Into an Anxiety Disorder?

While anxiety is commonly thought to be a high-energy state and depression to be a low-energy one, the two are more closely related than you might believe. Anxiety is common in people who suffer from depression, and it can even lead to panic attacks. So if you are wondering Can depression turn into an anxiety disorder, the answer is yes; let’s discuss it in detail.

Anxiety disorders are marked by more than just uneasiness and worry, and they may produce dreadful fear in those who would never think twice about it. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders are entirely aware that their thoughts are unreasonable. But they are still unable to stop them. Feelings of losing internal control haunt them. This tension is one of the precursors to depression.

Anxiety and Depression Frequently Co-occur

It’s a cycle; when you’re nervous, you tend to have this persistent thought about some worry or problem, you’re upset about it. Then you feel as if you have failed. You succumb to depression.

These two conditions – anxiety and depression – are inextricably linked:

When an anxiety problem already exists, the chances of developing depression are substantially higher. Almost half of the persons suffering from serious depression also have severe and persistent anxiety.

People who are depressed frequently experience anxiety and worry, and one can easily set off the other, with anxiety often coming before despair.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is at more risk of developing depression. 

A biological predisposition for both of these circumstances is frequently the basis of an individual’s struggle. This appears to be accurate, much more so for anxiety disorders than for depression; some individuals are just concerned and pass it down.

People suffering from anxiety should discuss their symptoms with a psychiatrist, therapist, or other healthcare practitioners. Anxiety disorder treatment should not be avoided. Depression, if not detected in time, may find a wide-open door for moving in and making a home in those persons.

Causes of Anxiety

Even when there is no real threat, the fight-or-flight region in these people’s brains becomes activated for reasons that are only partially understood today. Being anxious all the time is like being followed by an invisible killer. The sense of being in threat never goes away. They are constantly on the alarm.

Anxiety is an unavoidable aspect of life. When there is conflict in a relationship, an issue at work, a huge test coming, or a significant choice looming, it is typical for people to feel anxious. In contrast, anxiety disorders involve more than just brief worry or terror. Anxiety does not go away in persons who have an anxiety condition, and it frequently worsens over time, to the point where their feelings interfere with their regular functions.

Causes of Depression

According to a current study, depression is caused by genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological variables. It can appear at any age but mostly starts at maturity. Depression in children and adolescents, like many anxiety disorders, may show as irritation rather than poor mood.

Depression expresses itself as hopelessness, despair, and fury by adulthood. Individuals suffering from low energy levels are frequently overwhelmed by the day-to-day duties and personal relationships essential to life. As previously said, depression is often the result of an untreated anxiety disorder.

Signs of Concurrent Presence of Anxiety and Depression

The following characteristics may indicate the existence of both anxiety disorder and depression:

• Irrational anxieties or worries that won’t go away
• Fatigue, headaches, rapid heartbeat, difficult breathing, or abdominal pain are physical symptoms.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Variations in eating habits — either too much or too little — difficulty remembering, making decisions, or concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness or sadness regularly
• Loss of interest in hobbies or normal activities 
• Tired and irritable most of the time
• Inability to relax and enjoy the present time
• Suffering from panic episodes, including a loss of internal control.

Treatment of this Dual Diagnosis

Both anxiety and depression should be treated together. The following are effective ways for treating these co-occurring conditions:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

CBT is frequently used to treat patients suffering from both diseases. Fears, worries, and depression inclinations are addressed by identifying and treating the underlying reasons. Patients who have their emotions and lives disclosed learn how to take control of their lives and feelings.

Antidepressant Drugs 

These are frequently administered in conjunction with CBT to treat both problems. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are new antidepressant medications with more minor side effects than their predecessors.

Exercise 

This can be pretty beneficial for both illnesses. Physical activity triggers the release of feel-good hormones in the body, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Relaxation Techniques

Typically, this entails meditation or awareness. These strategies can frequently aid in treating both conditions while also improving the quality of life.

Treatment of both diseases is most effective when both conditions are handled simultaneously, just as anxiety and depression tend to be worse when they occur together. The expert psychiatrist offers integrated care that addresses these and other mental health disorders simultaneously. So it is very critical to get a consultation from an experienced doctor. You can easily find and get a consultation from the Best Psychiatrist in Islamabad through Marham.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Is anxiety a symptom of depression?

Anxiety can be a sign of clinical (severe) depression. Depression activated by an anxiety illness, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or separation anxiety disorder, is also frequent.

2- What does the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety entail?

Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm. This mental method will help calm your attention and bring you back to the present moment whenever you feel your head racing at 100 miles per hour.

3- Is sobbing an indication of anxiety?

If you suffer from anxiety, you may cry frequently or uncontrollably. Another indicator of worry is racing thoughts. exaggerated fear and worry