Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How To Differentiate Between Anxiety And Depression?
Question: I think i might be depressed. Or maybe have anxiety. I've never been treated for it before. How do I know if I have one or the other?
Brief Answer:
Depression and anxiety are very similar
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You think you may have depression or anxiety. These conditions are very similar and related to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's stresses. The definition of depressions is feeling depressed, down hopeless, loss of ambition and motivation, loss of appetite or an increase in appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. The definition of anxiety is fearful of future events, ruminating thoughts of disaster or catastrophic events, having phobias or over whelming fear of situations or things.
Both of these conditions can be treated with medication and therapy. I usually recommend taking a medication called an SSRI which are fluoxetine and citalopram etc. The therapy is called CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor call prescribe you medication but while waiting you an get a workbook called the the feel good handbook by Dr. Burns. Using both the medication and CBT will help you overcome your feelings of depression or anxiety.
in summary
1. depression and anxiety similar problems
2. medications SSRI Fluoxetine or citalopram
3. Therapy CBT cognitive behavioral therapy The Feel Good Handbook by Dr. Burns
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Depression and anxiety are very similar
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You think you may have depression or anxiety. These conditions are very similar and related to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's stresses. The definition of depressions is feeling depressed, down hopeless, loss of ambition and motivation, loss of appetite or an increase in appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. The definition of anxiety is fearful of future events, ruminating thoughts of disaster or catastrophic events, having phobias or over whelming fear of situations or things.
Both of these conditions can be treated with medication and therapy. I usually recommend taking a medication called an SSRI which are fluoxetine and citalopram etc. The therapy is called CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor call prescribe you medication but while waiting you an get a workbook called the the feel good handbook by Dr. Burns. Using both the medication and CBT will help you overcome your feelings of depression or anxiety.
in summary
1. depression and anxiety similar problems
2. medications SSRI Fluoxetine or citalopram
3. Therapy CBT cognitive behavioral therapy The Feel Good Handbook by Dr. Burns
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
