Are you worried about what’s going to happen? If your mind and body consistently remain in a state of fear, it can be a symptom of anxiety! However, anxiety and mood disorders can impact every aspect of your life. You need to spot their overlapping symptoms immediately before they worsen.
Further, this article will help you figure out the difference between anxiety and mood disorders. We will guide you about their signs and symptoms and their effects on daily life functioning.
What is anxiety disorder?
Anxiety affects children as well as adolescents. Women suffer more from anxiety as compared to men. Millions of people around the world have suffered from anxiety. Anxiety can impact your gut health. A person may feel nervousness, fear, sweating, shaking of hands, etc.
What are the types of anxiety?
Here are some types of anxiety:
1. Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Individuals with SAD avoid social gatherings, have a fear of public speaking or meeting new people, and have a fear of being judged.
Read more about: Understanding Social Anxiety
2. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Individuals may suffer from a high level of anxiety. It can lead you towards fatigue and nervousness.
Read more about: Panic disorder vs generalized anziety disorder
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If a person has gone through a very disturbing life event in the past years, it causes PTSD.
4. Panic disorder
It occurs suddenly and causes issues, such as panic attacks, a fast heartbeat, sweating, shortness of breath, or pain in the abdominal area.
5. Agoraphobia
Individuals who have a fear of things such as elevators and airplanes where there is no escape. In severe cases, individuals with agoraphobia stay at home.
6. Specific phobias
Specific phobias refer to a fear of specific things such as spiders, height, or flying. People with specific phobias avoid such places where the fear may arise again.
What is a mood disorder?
Individuals with mood disorders have difficulty managing their mental state, causing continuous sadness, melancholy, anger, and fatigue. Individuals become hopeless, and this causes stress in daily life activities.
Read More About: Mood disorder vs personality disorder
Types of mood disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
A form of mental health that causes depression, and individuals feel hollow.
Dysthymia:
Dysthymia occurs for a specific time and stays longer, such as years and months.
Seasonal Affective Disorder:
It’s a seasonal depression that leads to sadness for some time.
Difference between anxiety and mood disorders
Anxiety and mood disorders are two separate mental health conditions and have some differences that include:
| Feature | Anxiety disorder | Mood disorder |
| Primary focus | Extreme fear and worry | Extreme sadness or mood swings |
| Key symptoms | Restlessness, fast heartbeat, and trouble focusing | Hopelessness, changes in appetite, and sleep |
| physical symptoms | sweating, shortness of breath, and shivering | Fatigue, lack of sleep, and aggression |
| Overlap | Due to anxiety mood disorder occurs | Some mood disorders go along with anxiety |
Do anxiety and mood disorders coexist?
Anxiety and mood disorders are connected and can occur together, as anxiety also impacts your mood. For example, generalized anxiety also occurs with depression. Moreover, they have overlapping symptoms, which make the diagnosis difficult.
Why do anxiety and mood disorders occur together?
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders occur due to genetic factors. The development of mental disorders becomes higher if someone in the family has already suffered from mental health conditions. However, there are some factors that may also increase the risk of anxiety and depression
These include :
- Childhood trauma
- Personality traits
- Hormonal changes
- Substance use
Is anxiety a mood disorder?
No, anxiety and mood disorders both are separate mental health conditions. Although both are linked together, anxiety can impact the mood as well. People have anxiety struggles in daily life. By understanding the difference, you may get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment options for the comorbidity of anxiety and mood disorders
Anxiety and mood disorders are both treatable conditions with the right combination of medication and therapies.
Medications
Healthcare professionals often recommend the following medications.
These include:
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines,
- SSRIs and SNRIs
- Mood stabilizer
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
In this therapy, individuals talk about their feelings and emotions, it is helpful for anxiety, depression, and stabilizing mood.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):
DBT is helpful for individuals who think too much and feel emotions deeply. This therapy helps in managing stress.
Exposure therapy:
In exposure therapy, individuals overcome their fears, it is helpful in the treatment of anxiety and phobias.
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Is anxiety taking over your life? Are you struggling to find expert specialists for your mental health conditions? Stop searching! Brain Power Wellness Institute is the wise choice. We provide comprehensive treatment plans for children, adolescents, and old age. We have a team of board-certified and psychiatric nurse practitioners who provide evidence-based treatments and individualised one-to-one counseling. Book your consultations today!
Final Remarks
Anxiety causes nervousness and fear of small things, also gives physical symptoms such as palpitations, fast heartbeat, sweating, etc. Mood disorders affect the mood and bring sadness, emptiness, and melancholy. Individuals feel hopeless and become more depressed.
Both conditions have similar symptoms and coexist together which impact the health. However, with the help of medications and therapies, it can be treated, and individuals can live a fulfilling life.
