Depression and anxiety appear in our lives from time to time. For some people, however, they experience these feelings on an almost daily basis. Life becomes unbearable, difficult and unproductive.
Patients with depression and those with anxiety disorders may exhibit similar symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. However, each disorder is actually quite different, with different causes and emotional/behavioral symptoms.
While it is not known whether one causes the other, many people have been diagnosed with both disorders, with depression usually following an earlier onset of anxiety.
Depression
The symptoms of depression include feeling discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, hopeless and disinterested in life in general. Over a short period of time, these feelings are fleeting. However, when such feelings last for more than two weeks and interfere with daily activities, such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school, it’s likely a more serious case of clinical depression.
Depression can take form in a number of ways. The three main types include major depression, persistent depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
- Major depression can last for up to a two-week period and often occurs sporadically throughout a person’s lifetime. Triggers can include death of a loved one, a major relationship or life change or an acute illness. Feelings of suicide are common amongst those with major depression.
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a longer-term depressive disorder that lasts for at least two years. The severity of PDD is less than major depression; however, the resulting stress, irritability and inability to enjoy most activities characteristic of PDD is just as debilitating. Most people with PDD feel hopeless rather than suicidal.
- Patients with bipolar disorder demonstrate extreme swings in mood from very high (mania) to very low (depression). Formerly known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder behaviors occur most often gradually and, less frequently, occur abruptly.
Depression affects millions of people of all backgrounds and ages, including young children and teens. Fortunately, this mental disorder is treatable.
Treatment for Depression
At The Grant Group, we take the time to educate our patients about their depression and treatment options. We perform a full mental and physical assessment to determine the severity of the disorder. The more severe the depression is, the more intensive the treatment will be, which can include psychotherapy, counseling, lifestyle changes and medication.
We recognize that every patient is different; therefore, no two treatment plans will be the same. We carefully monitor the patient’s progress frequently over time and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that the right combination of treatments work for the patient long term.
Anxiety
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. They expect the worst under circumstances that warrant no real reason for concern. This may last for many days for at least six months.
Symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty focusing
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
The onset of GAD is not sudden. It usually happens over a person’s life and occurs most likely between childhood and middle age. Factors that may cause GAD include biological factors, family background and stressful life experiences.
Treatment for Anxiety
Our caring mental health professionals at The Grant Group carefully consider all factors that can contribute to the patient’s anxiety such as personal history, lifestyle and existing conditions such as depression or other mental disorders.
Patients with mild cases of GAD may function socially and live somewhat normal lives. More severe cases require more intensive treatment individualized to the patient. Treatment options include psychotherapy, counseling, medication or a combination of two or more of these approaches. Over time and under careful monitoring, the patient can take better control of their anxiety and live a more fulfilling and satisfactory life.