Anxiety vs. Depression

There are some similarities between anxiety and depression, but there are also many key differences between these two mental health disorders.

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million American adults have at least one type of anxiety disorder. Around 16 million American adults have major depressive disorder. While those two types of disorders are prevalent and frequently co-occur, they are different conditions.

Distinguishing Between Anxiety and Depression

Determining if someone has anxiety versus depression can be difficult because the two share many symptoms. There are distinguishable characteristics for each, and understanding the differences is essential to understanding the disorders.

What Are the Differences Between Anxiety and Depression?

Anxiety and depression are in different classes of mental health disorders. Depression is a mood disorder, while anxiety is its own class of conditions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition distinguishes anxiety and depression by listing each as a separate classification of mental conditions. There are many types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety and specific phobia. There are also different types of depression-related conditions, including major depressive disorder, seasonal depression and bipolar disorder.

Another difference between anxiety and depression is their definitions. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by despondency and overwhelming sadness. Anxiety is an overwhelming worry or stress related to the perceived inevitability that an adverse event or outcome will occur. Additional differences between depression and anxiety include the symptoms of the disorders and the drugs used for their treatment.

Differences in Symptoms

Comparing the signs of anxiety versus depression symptoms is one way to differentiate the disorders. The symptoms of anxiety include:

• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Inability to concentrate
• Rumination or obsessive thought patterns
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Irritability
• Isolation
• Changes in appetite

Depression involves many of the same symptoms as anxiety, but some, such as excessive worrying or fear, are not directly associated with depression. Likewise, experiencing suicidal thoughts is linked more often to depression than to anxiety.

Feelings of depression or anxiety can lead to suicidal thinking. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Differences in Medication for Anxiety vs. Depression

Many of the medications used to treat anxiety and depression are called reuptake inhibitors. There are different types of reuptake inhibitors, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs limit serotonin transport, which can increase serotonin levels in the body and help manage symptoms of major depressive disorder or various kinds of anxiety. SNRIs block serotonin and norepinephrine transport, which helps create chemical balance.

Taking an SSRI versus an SNRI for anxiety and depression depends on a doctor’s recommendation. Not all SSRIs or SNRIs are sufficient for every type of depression or anxiety disorder. 

There are differences between the medications for anxiety and depression. Antidepressants such as nortriptyline are primarily used for depression. Anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines and are mostly used for treating anxiety. SSRIs are used to treat both depression and anxiety. Common SSRIs used for anxiety and depression are:

• Prozac
• Paxil
• Luvox
• Celexa
• Zoloft

Why Anxiety and Depression Are Linked

Are anxiety and depression the same? No, but they share many similarities and connections.

Anxiety and depression often occur together. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 50% of people with depression also have an anxiety disorder. Co-occurrence is prevalent because anxiety frequently causes depressed states, and major depressive disorder can result in anxiousness.

Similarities in Symptoms

There are specific symptoms more associated with anxiety than depression and vice versa. However, many symptoms are prevalent for both illnesses, including:

• Isolation
• Irritability
• Inability to concentrate
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Nausea
• Loss of interest in hobbies or other activities

Similarities in Medications

SSRIs and SNRIs both can help with anxiety and depression. SSRIs are primarily used to treat anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder. SSRIs approved in the United States include Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft.

SNRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. SNRIs approved in the U.S. include Cymbalta, Fetzima and Pristiq.

Can Anxiety Cause Depression?

Although anxiety does not cause depression, there are many factors and anxiety-related effects that can lead to depressive symptoms. Anxiety and depression are often considered co-occurring disorders, as they are often experienced at the same time. 

Someone with anxiety may experience feelings of fear or uncertainty a lot of the time, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness or sadness. Anxiety and depression often occur in a cyclical pattern, and it can be hard to treat one without addressing the other.

When to Talk to Someone About Your Symptoms

Once anxiety or depression impacts your life, you should seek help from a mental health professional. The psychological conditions can lead to social isolation, worsening performance at school or work and substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

If you rely on drugs or alcohol as a response to anxiousness or depression, consider rehabilitation. The Recovery Village has centers throughout the country that provide co-occurring disorder treatment when a mental illness pairs with addiction. The team of experts can help you attain a substance-free lifestyle and treat your mental condition.

Related: Starting Treatment for Addiction & Mental Health through Teletherapy

Get Help for Depression and Anxiety

If you’re looking for healthy ways to manage anxiety and depression, the Nobu app can help. It is free and for anyone that is looking to reduce anxiety, work through depression, build self-esteem, get aftercare following treatment, attend teletherapy sessions and so much more. Download the Nobu app today!

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Danielle Boland

Danielle is licensed clinical social worker, currently living and practicing in central Connecticut. Read more