All Worked Up And Down In The Dumps: Anxiety-Depression Disorder
People suffering from chronically high levels of anxiety often suffer from some form of depression as well, leading to the development of a mixed disorder known as anxiety-depression disorder. Anxious people can't help themselves from worrying about everything, and this loss of control over their own thoughts leaves them feeling miserable more often than not. Thus, anxiety and depression come hand in hand in most cases.For example, a person suffering from social anxiety disorder finds it difficult to be at ease in social situations. He is always worried about messing up in even a simple interaction with another person, leaving him with no real and significant social relationships. The lack of healthy relationships and support system leads to loneliness which can eventually lead to medical depression. A person with separation anxiety disorder develops a strong dependence on someone else, which causes separation of even the shortest time to lead to unbearable distress. This disorder is often seen in children. They can't be dropped off at school or at a day care center without clinging desperately to their parents and begging not to be left behind. Of course, parents still get their own way and leave their children behind, brushing off the incident as something children do. However, these kids with separation anxiety usually feel abandoned when left behind, and this feeling of abandonment can lead to depression even such a young age.The combination of depression and anxiety often lead to panic attacks which are marked with sudden onset of intense fear. They come with no warning, and oftentimes, no reason. These attacks are not just purely in the head, though. People with panic attacks experience palpitations, difficulty with breathing, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea.
In some instances, the physical reactions are so strong that people who have these attacks feel like they are dying during the experience.Treatment for anxiety-depression disorder involves behavioral therapy, lifestyle change, and medication. The first two treatments are generally accepted, but the third one is still a controversial topic. There have been cases wherein patients develop dependence--and in some instances, addiction--on the medicine they are taking. Some drugs also have side effects that can worsen patients' condition or can trigger a completely different problem. However, some studies have shown that medication as a supplement to lifestyle change and behavior therapy can provide great relief to anxiety-depression sufferers.Anxiety disorder support groups also provide sufferers an outlet for their feelings. Group therapy is a healthy option especially for those suffering from depression on top of anxiety. Sufferers need to know that they are not alone in their burden, and that there is hope for a normal lifestyle after a series of treatments. |
