Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?

Is it possible to have depression and anxiety at the same time?

- Magaly / No state given

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Although anxiety and depression are regarded as two distinct disorders by psychiatrists, it is quite common to have both at the same time.

Anxiety disorders can take many different forms — including panic attacks, specific phobias, generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder — each with its own distinct set of symptoms.

However, depression is generally categorized by a core set of symptoms, including pervasive sadness, fatigue, irritability, sleep difficulties, decreased interest in usually enjoyable activities and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Some of these same symptoms may be seen with anxiety disorders — with the main feature of anxiety disorders being unreasonable fear and worry.

An anxiety disorder may predispose you to developing depression and vice versa. Fortunately, treatments for depression may provide relief for anxiety as well.

If you have symptoms of either or both of these problems, it's important to consult with a mental health provider who can assist you in sorting out these conditions and what treatments may be most helpful for you.