Symptoms of Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder
Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders (MADD) are characterized by depression and anxiety symptoms at the same time. MADD is more severe and resistant to treatment than pure anxiety disorders or depression.
The existence of MADD prompted debate about its place in psychiatric nomenclature. Some people argue that MADD should not be ruled out since it can assist patients get treatment and stop the development of a syndromal disorder.
Causes
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression and anxiety simultaneously, it's important to seek assistance. This condition, also known as MADD, is a serious mental health issue and can cause difficulty in coping with the daily demands of life. It can trigger feelings of anxiety, sadness and low energy levels, as well as difficulty staying focused, easily distracted and irritability. This condition can be treated and it is advised to address it as soon as you can.
There isn't a single cause of this condition however, certain risk factors are more likely than others. People with a history of anxiety or depression disorders are more likely to develop this type of mood disorder. Other reasons could be stress in a relationship or job, abuse in childhood, low self-esteem, distorted self-worth or exposure to traumatizing experiences.
MADD is not curable, however it can be managed by a variety of therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists patients identify and challenge negative behaviors, beliefs and thoughts that trigger their feelings of sadness and anxiety. Therapists provide their clients with healthy ways to cope and stress-reducing techniques. This condition can be treated with antidepressant medications. They are typically SSRIs or even SNRIs, which boost the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain.
In a longitudinal study researchers examined the results of 85 people who met the criteria for MADD in the current ICD-10 classification system. The study revealed that the majority of those who developed MADD recovered within a year. Most of the remaining patients suffered from syndromal depression, or anxiety, or met other ICD-10 diagnoses.
MADD is not treatable however there are ways to manage the symptoms and stop it from getting worse. Maintaining a healthy diet exercising regularly, as well as engaging in mindfulness meditation or prayer can all improve how you feel. It's also important to avoid caffeine and refined sugars, because they can trigger depression and anxiety symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Depression and anxiety-related symptoms frequently overlap and it's normal for people to feel both. They might be able to separate them in their mind however, when they are impacting daily life it is possible to have a combination diagnosis to assist in making the most of treatments options. Mixed anxiety and depression disorder symptoms could include fatigue feelings of desperation and sadness. Physical symptoms such as dizziness or headaches may be present. These symptoms can cause issues at work, school and in relationships.
The latest ICD-11 version of the International Classification of Diseases includes the category of comorbid anxiety and depression. The criteria states that a person is diagnosed with MADD when they have a combination of both depression and anxiety, but neither of them alone can meet the criteria for diagnosing a syndromal depression or anxiolytic disorder. It is a catch-all for those who fall in the 'grey zone' that exists between depression and anxiety disorders. It allows doctors to avoid making arbitrary choices regarding which disorder patients are likely to progress towards based on only cross-sectional data.
Many factors can cause both anxiety and depression, but the most important factors are the genetic predisposition of an individual or life events that cause stress, and medical conditions including chronic pain or side effects of medications like antidepressants or blood pressure medications. Self-criticism, perfectionistism, and seeing the glass half full are other traits that increase the risk for anxiety and depression disorders.
MADD patients may have the same symptoms that people suffering from anxiety or depression experience but they are more severe and frequent. They can be disabling and more difficult to treat than the case where anxiety or depression is the primary diagnosis, and there is increased risk of suicidal behavior. MADD can be treated with some of the same treatments that are used for anxiety and depression which include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindful meditation and exercise, as well diet changes. If necessary medication such as antidepressants or sedatives can be prescribed based on severity.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of anxiety and depression overlap and can be difficult to distinguish. The symptoms can include fatigue, lack motivation, difficulty sleeping, and irritation. Depression can also affect your eating habits, and result in a withdrawal from social activities. Untreated depression can lead to problems at school, at work and at home. It is crucial to talk with a mental health professional for treatment.
A diagnosis of mixed anxiety and depression is usually based on the patient's symptoms and their family history and current life events. Traumas, genetics and previous experiences are all possible risk factors for anxiety as well as depression.
There are different types of psychometric tests that help a mental health professional assess the severity and manifestations of anxiety and depression. They can also provide suggestions on the best treatment for you. Mild to moderate cases of MADD can often be treated with psychotherapy and counselling like talk therapy (CBT, REBT, hypnotherapy) or alternative therapies such as meditation.
For more severe and disabling cases, medication might be recommended. Depression is often treated by antidepressants, whereas anxiety is sometimes treated with anxiolytics, which are medicines that help to reduce anxiety in people and relax them.
anxiety disorders symptoms have suggested that MADD should be dropped as a diagnosis. They argue that MADD is associated with fewer remissions, and a higher risk of progression into syndromal disorders. However, several studies that are based on retrospective clinical data suggest that this view is too simplistic and should be subjected to further examination.
A longitudinal study of 85 MADD patients found that, after a year, more than half had recovered. The remaining patients were diagnosed with anxiety or syndromal depression. It is therefore likely that the majority of those who are able to meet the MADD criteria are only mildly affected, or in an early stage of Syndromal Affective Disorder. They do not require to be given a MADD diagnosis.
Treatment
When depression and anxiety co-occur, it's important to seek out help. Your therapist can help you learn to accept your emotions as natural and normal, rather than fighting them like an enemy. Your therapist will teach you techniques and tools to reduce your symptoms. This includes learning how to relax, let go of worries and developing healthy strategies for coping.
Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders can be a challenge to diagnose and treat, but there are effective treatment options. Your doctor can prescribe antidepressants or benzodiazepines which are drugs that improve your mood by affecting the way your brain responds to specific nerve signals. You may also benefit from cognitive behavior treatment that can help you modify negative thinking patterns or strategies for coping that contribute to your symptoms.
It is well-documented that co-occurring depression and anxiety symptoms are quite common. According to a study of psychological problems in primary health care, they account for half of all reported disorders. However, it is controversial whether MADD is a valid distinct diagnostic entity in the psychiatric classification systems. Some research has indicated that it does not have sufficient diagnostic reliability and stability over time. It isn't yet clear if the MADD diagnosis is useful in guiding patients towards treatment.
Additionally, numerous clinical as well as epidemiological studies have demonstrated considerable symptoms that are common to depression and anxiety. Consequently, it is not uncommon for patients with subthreshold, co-occurring anxiety and depression to transition to a different diagnosis of psychiatric illness as time passes. For example, in the DSM-5, which does not include a dedicated diagnosis for MADD patients with subsyndromal signs of depression and anxiety are instead classified as having other specified depression disorder that includes anxious distress.
Despite the ongoing debate over whether MADD is an appropriate diagnostic term, a variety of evidence points to its continuing importance in facilitating access treatment and improving the outcomes of patients. This includes allowing patients to seek treatment earlier, preventing symptoms from worsening and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.