According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the majority of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder such as a phobia also suffer from a concurrent psychological disorder. Depression and anxiety commonly go hand in hand.
What Is Clinical Depression?
Everyone experiences times of feeling sad or blue. Clinical depression, however, is a severe disorder that can greatly affect the quality of life. People who are depressed are also at an increased risk for suicide.
How Do I Know if I Am Depressed?
Clinical depression, like phobias, is diagnosed according to specific criteria in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Ed.). Common symptoms of depression include ongoing sadness, loss of interest in activities, loss of energy and feelings of worthlessness.
For a more in-depth look at the symptoms of depression, visit Top 9 Depression Symptoms.
Is It Depression, Anxiety or Both?
It can be difficult to differentiate depression from anxiety disorders such as social phobia or agoraphobia. Many people who suffer from depression are reluctant to leave home or socialize with others, leading both the sufferer and those around him to believe that he has a phobia. Simultaneously, many people who suffer from social phobia or agoraphobia develop symptoms of depression due to isolation and loneliness.
Only a qualified clinician can separate the symptoms of depression from those of a phobia. If you are simultaneously diagnosed with both depression and anxiety, your mental health professional will carefully develop a treatment plan that takes both conditions into account.
Conclusion
If you experience any of the symptoms of depression, it is important to tell your health care provider. Treating both the depression and anxiety is an important part of regaining mental health.
Source:The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America. National Institute of Mental Health. February 15, 2008. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america.shtml
