Depression and Anxiety disorders: The connection and treatment | Safe and Sound
In modern society, depression and anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly common mental health problems, severely impacting the quality of life for many people. These two conditions do not occur separately but are also complexly interconnected. Understanding the relationship between depression and anxiety disorders, as well as appropriate treatment methods, will help us protect our mental health effectively.
Ngo Thi Sang | Master of Educational Psychology – Applied to Safe and Sound Mental Health Care
Institute of Applied Medical Technology
1. Understanding depression and anxiety disorders
Despite having distinct manifestations and causes, these two mental disorders often have a complex relationship and sometimes occur simultaneously, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
1.1. What is depression?
What is depression?
Psychiatrists say that depression is not simply a short-term feeling of sadness that anyone can experience, but a persistent state that causes negative effects on both mental and physical health.
Common symptoms of depression
- Loss of energy, prolonged fatigue: People with depression often feel physically exhausted, tired, and lacking the strength to complete daily tasks, even simple ones.
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much: Sleep disorders are one of the most obvious signs. According to psychiatrists, patients may have difficulty falling asleep or frequently wake up in the middle of the night. Conversely, some people sleep a lot but still feel tired.
- Changes in appetite and weight: Some people with depression may lose their appetite, leading to rapid weight loss. Conversely, others may overeat, especially on unhealthy foods, leading to weight gain.
- Self-blame, feelings of worthlessness: People with this psychological disorder often feel like a burden to their family and society, leading to low self-esteem and decreased self-esteem.
- Thoughts of death or suicidal behavior: In severe cases, depression can lead to negative thoughts about ending one's own life. This is a sign that requires attention and timely intervention.
1.2. What is an anxiety disorder?
According to psychiatrists, anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by excessive and prolonged feelings of worry and tension that affect the ability to perform daily activities.
Common types of anxiety disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent worry about a wide range of issues, from work and finances to health, without a specific cause.
- Panic disorder: Characterized by sudden panic attacks, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and extreme fear.
- Social phobia: An excessive fear or anxiety in social situations, fear of being judged or doing something wrong in front of others.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Characterized by uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts or behaviors.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders
- Uncontrollable anxiety: Patients often experience persistent anxiety that they cannot stop, even without a clear reason.
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling: These symptoms occur when the body overreacts to non-dangerous situations.
- Difficulty concentrating, feelings of anxiety: Patients often cannot concentrate on work or studies because they are overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety.
- Sleep disorders: Prolonged anxiety makes it difficult for patients to fall asleep or to sleep soundly.
- Fear or panic in response to a specific situation: For example, fear of public speaking or anxiety about air travel.
Despite their clear differences, psychiatrists say that, in terms of symptoms and causes, depression and anxiety disorders often occur simultaneously and have a complex relationship. A person with chronic anxiety disorder is at a higher risk of depression, and conversely, depression can lead to uncontrolled anxiety.
2. The link between depression and anxiety disorders
The link between depression and anxiety disorders
Depression and anxiety disorders often occur simultaneously, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape, causing sufferers to face serious psychological and physical challenges.
2.1 . The situation of co - occurrence
Depression and anxiety disorders often occur simultaneously in many patients. According to studies, approximately 60-70% of people with depression also experience symptoms of anxiety disorders. This not only complicates the diagnostic process but also significantly impacts treatment effectiveness.
Why do these two conditions often occur together?
- Overlapping symptoms: Many symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders are similar, such as insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of helplessness. This makes identification and classification of the illness difficult.
- Mutual impact: Depression can worsen anxiety, and prolonged anxiety can also increase depressive symptoms.
2.2 . Interaction Cycles
Psychiatrists emphasize that one of the striking features of the link between depression and anxiety disorders is that they often form a vicious cycle, in which one condition easily triggers or exacerbates the other.
- Anxiety leading to depression: Excessive and prolonged anxiety and stress can exhaust both the body and mind, leaving them fatigued. Patients often feel unable to control what is happening around them, leading to feelings of frustration and loss of interest in life. Gradually, these feelings develop into depression.
For example, someone who is constantly worried about their job or financial future may experience prolonged stress. When they are unable to resolve these issues, they begin to feel helpless, hopeless, and may fall into a state of depression.
- Depression leads to anxiety: Conversely, people with depression often experience feelings of fear, insecurity, and anxiety about the future. They may be obsessed with the thought that life will never improve, or worry about being judged negatively by others. These thoughts can trigger and sustain anxiety symptoms.
For example, someone who is depressed because they feel like a failure in life may worry about being ostracized by family and friends, leading to isolation and exacerbating both conditions.
3. Treatment methods for depression and anxiety disorders
3.1 . Psychological therapy
Psychotherapy is one of the most commonly used methods for treating depression and anxiety disorders. Psychologists use specialized therapeutic techniques to help patients understand their emotions, change negative thinking patterns, and learn how to manage stress.
Common forms of psychological therapy:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is the most effective psychological method for treating both depression and anxiety disorders. CBT helps patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs, and then change them into more positive ones. For example, with someone suffering from anxiety disorder, a psychologist will guide them to confront their fears instead of avoiding them, thereby gradually reducing feelings of anxiety.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This method is particularly helpful for people who struggle with managing their emotions. DBT helps patients learn to accept their emotions without judgment, while also improving their stress coping skills.
- Exposure Therapy: This method is often used for specific forms of anxiety disorders, such as social phobia or fear of a particular situation. The therapist will gradually expose the patient to the anxiety triggers in a safe environment, helping them to gradually reduce their fear.
3.2. Use of medication
According to psychiatrists, medication is an important treatment method, especially when symptoms become severe and significantly affect quality of life.
Common drug groups:
- Antidepressants:
+ SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): This group of medications includes Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and Escitalopram, and is commonly used to treat both depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin – a neurotransmitter associated with emotions.
+ SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): This group, including Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, helps improve both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
- Anxiolytics (Anti-anxiety medications): Drugs such as benzodiazepines (lorazepam, alprazolam) are often used to quickly reduce severe anxiety symptoms. However, they should only be used short-term due to the risk of dependence.
- Mood stabilizers: Used when patients experience erratic emotional symptoms, helping to regulate their psychological balance.
Important notes when using this medication:
- The use of medication requires a prescription and close supervision by a psychiatrist.
- Do not stop taking medication abruptly on your own, as this may cause serious side effects or worsen your condition.
3.3. Intervention using specialized methods
Besides psychotherapy and medication, other specialized interventions are also applied in certain specific cases to support treatment.
Specialized methods
- Light Therapy: This method is often used for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Exposure to artificial light that mimics sunlight can help improve mood, promote a more positive mindset, and regulate circadian rhythms.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): This is a non-invasive method in which pulsed magnetic fields are used to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood. Psychiatrists say that TMS is often used when other treatments have been ineffective.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For cases of severe depression or anxiety disorders that do not respond to medication and psychotherapy. ECT is performed in a tightly controlled medical environment, using low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate the brain, helping to improve the patient's condition.
3.4. Psychological support combined with health education
Psychologists often provide mental health education programs to help patients better understand their condition and how to manage their symptoms. This includes:
- Provide information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of depression and anxiety disorders.
- Teach self-management techniques for stress, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation.
- Guide patients in developing a healthy lifestyle, including diet, sleep, and physical activity.
Safe and Sound Clinic - Psychological Support and Family Health
With a team of experienced doctors and experts, Safe and Sound Clinic is a pioneer in providing comprehensive healthcare for you and your family, offering services that cover both medical and psychological care.
"Early Prevention—Timely Support—Long-Term Companion."
If you suspect or encounter any physical or mental health issues, please contact HOTLINE 0964 778 911 (phone/Zalo, 24/7) for prompt assistance and support!
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
You can schedule an online or in-person consultation with our experts:
- At SnS Clinic - IMT Institute
- Or download and schedule a consultation through the Safe and Sound app to manage and track your appointments anytime, anywhere.
Safe and Sound (SnS)—a part of the Institute of Medical Technology (IMT)
See more:
How is chronic insomnia treated in people with depression?
