A Delightful Rant About Mixed Anxiety And Depressive Disorder
Symptoms of Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder
Mixed anxiety and depression disorders (MADD) are characterized by anxiety and depression symptoms at the same time. Unlike pure depression or anxiety disorders, MADD is more disabling and difficult to treat.
The existence of MADD caused debate about its place in psychiatric nomenclature. Some believe that MADD should be considered a part of nosology because it may aid patients in obtaining treatment and help prevent the development of an underlying disorder.
Causes
It is essential to seek assistance if you or someone you care about is experiencing both depression and anxiety at the same time. This mental disorder, which is called MADD, can make it difficult to deal with daily life. It can trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety and fatigue, as well as difficulties concentration, a tendency to be distracted and even irritable. The disorder can be treated and it is advised to address it as soon as possible.
There isn't a single cause for this condition. However, certain risk factors are more common than others. People who have an anxiety history or depression disorders are more likely to develop this kind of mood disorder. Other factors could contribute to this disorder include an uneasy relationship or job, abuse in childhood, low self-esteem, distorted self-worth, or exposure to traumatic experiences.
MADD is not curable, but it can be managed with different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists patients identify and challenge negative behaviors, beliefs and thoughts that cause their feelings of sadness and stress. The therapists also help their clients to practice healthy strategies for coping and techniques for reducing stress. Antidepressant drugs are also used to treat this condition. These are usually SSRIs and SNRIs that boost the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
In a study that was conducted over a long period, researchers analyzed the results of 85 people who were deemed to have MADD in the current ICD-10 classification system. The study found that the majority of the patients diagnosed with MADD relapsed within one year. In addition, most of the remaining patients either had depression or syndromal anxiety or had other ICD-10 mental health diagnoses.
Although there is no cure for MADD but there are steps you can take to control your symptoms and keep the condition from becoming worse. You can improve your mood by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also practice mindfulness meditation or pray. Eliminating caffeine and refined sugars can help relieve depression and anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
Depression and anxiety-related symptoms often play off each other and it's not uncommon for people to experience both. They may be able to distinguish them in their minds however, when they are affecting daily functioning, a combination diagnosis can assist in making the most of treatment options. The symptoms of mixed anxiety and depressive disorder can include sadness and worry, low energy or feelings of inadequacy, and physical symptoms such as dizziness or headaches. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at work and in relationships.
The new ICD-11 version of the International Classification of Diseases includes a category for comorbid anxiety and depression. MADD is diagnosed when a person has both depression and anxiety. However neither anxiety nor depression alone meets the threshold for diagnosing anxiolytic or syndromal disorders. It is a catch all for those who fall into the 'grey zone' between depression and anxiety disorder s. It allows clinicians to avoid making arbitrary decisions about which disorder sufferers will likely to progress towards based solely on cross-sectional data.
There are many factors that can cause depression and anxiety. The most significant ones include genetic predispositions to anxiety, stressful life events, chronic pain or side effects from medications such as blood pressure medicine or antidepressants. Self-criticism, perfectionist tendencies and a view of the glass as half full are other traits which increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
MADD sufferers can suffer from the same symptoms that people suffering from anxiety or depression experience however, they are more severe and frequent. They can be more disabling and difficult to treat, and are more likely to commit suicide than depression or anxiety. Many of the same therapies for both depression and anxiety are effective for MADD including mindfulness meditation, exercise, and diet modifications. If necessary medication such as antidepressants or sedatives can be prescribed depending on the severity.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of anxiety and depression are often inextricably linked and difficult to differentiate. Symptoms can include fatigue, lack motivation, difficulty sleeping, and anger. Depression can affect your eating habits, causing you to withdraw socially. Untreated depression can lead to problems at school, at work and at home. To treat depression, it is important to speak with an expert in mental health.
A diagnosis of mixed anxiety and depressive disorder is usually dependent on the symptoms of the patient in addition to their family history and current life events. There are a myriad of risk factors that could contribute to the development of depression and anxiety, such as genetics, past experiences and traumas as well as certain medications.
Different types of psychometric tests can assist a mental health professional assess the extent of depression and anxiety. They can also provide guidance on the most effective treatment for you. Mild to moderate cases of MADD can be treated with psychotherapy and counselling including talk therapy (CBT, REBT, hypnotherapy), or alternative therapies such as meditation.
It is possible to prescribe medication for more severe and incapacitating situations. Depression can often be helped by antidepressants, whereas anxiety can be treated with anxiolytics. They are medicines that help to reduce a person's anxiety and help them relax.
Some researchers have argued that MADD should be removed as a diagnosis. They argue that MADD is associated with fewer remissions and a higher incidence of developing into syndromal disorders. However, a variety of studies that are based on retrospective clinical data suggest that this notion is too simplistic and should be subjected to more thorough examination.
In reality, a longitudinal study of 85 patients with MADD found that after one year, nearly half remitted and the remaining ones were classified as having depression or syndromal anxiety. It is therefore possible that the majority of those who meet the MADD criteria are not severely affected, or are in a pre-clinical stage of a Syndromal Affective Disorder. They do not need to be given a MADD diagnosis.
Treatment
When anxiety and depression are co-existent, it's crucial to seek help. Your therapist can help you to accept your feelings as natural and normal, instead of battling them like an enemy. Your Therapist can also teach you methods and techniques to help you manage the symptoms. This includes learning how to breathe deeply, letting go of worries, and establishing healthy strategies for coping.
Mixed anxiety and depression disorders can be a challenge to treat and diagnose however, there are effective treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or benzodiazepines which are medicines that improve your mood by affecting the way your brain reacts to specific nerve signals. You might also be able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy which can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and coping strategies that may cause your symptoms.
The frequency of co-occurring subthreshold depression and anxiety symptoms is well-documented. In fact, according to a study of psychological problems in primary care they account for a significant portion of all reported psychological disorders. However, there is a debate whether MADD is a valid distinct diagnostic entity in the psychiatric classification systems. A number of studies have proven that MADD is not able to provide sufficient diagnostic validity or stability over time. It isn't clear whether the MADD diagnosis can guide patients to the correct treatment.
Many epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that depression and anxiety have many symptoms. Thus, it's not uncommon for people with subthresholds, co-occurring anxiety and depression to be able to move to a different diagnosis of psychiatric illness as time passes. In the DSM-5 which does not have a specific diagnosis for MADD patients with subsyndromal depression and anxiety symptoms are coded as having another specified depressive disorder (with anxious distress).
Despite the ongoing debate on whether MADD is a valid diagnostic entity there are several factors that point to its continuing importance in improving outcomes for patients and facilitating access. This includes helping patients seek help early in order to avoid the exacerbation of symptoms and lessening the burden on healthcare systems.