An anxiety depression disorder is characterized by repeated anxiety attacks and episodes of depression. This disorder is very difficult to cope with since those who suffer from it often yo-yo between being sad and down to being anxious and agitated. Doctors have a difficult time diagnosing patients with this type of disorder since the symptoms of depression or anxiety are not severe enough for patients to be branded as solely suffering from depression or solely suffering from anxiety. The Causes Many things can cause anxiety and depression, although it is usually the anxiety that starts first before depression sets in. People, for instance, may experience stress and panic attacks from issues at work. If these issues are not solved, hopelessness …show more content…
While meditation, deep breathing and regular exercise can ease the symptoms of an anxiety attack; it takes more for people with anxiety combined with depression to get better, since both symptoms have to be taken into account. A combination of therapy and medication is a very effective treatment to help people who suffer from both anxiety and depression. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (or SSRIs), for instance, are given to patients to help them cope with depression and anxiety. This type of medication causes the brain to release more serotonin, which is a chemical that is responsible for feelings or emotions of pleasure and joy. Some people who suffer from both depression and anxiety have chemical imbalances in their brains. Medication, like SSRIs, help balance these chemicals. Along with proper medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy can effectively help sufferers of anxiety and depression recover from their disorder. This type of therapy slowly eradicates the fear, stress and pessimism the sufferer feels by changing the way he or she views the situations and events surrounding their life. Most sufferers of this disorder over exaggerate things, leading to excessive worrying, anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also employs methods such as proper breathing, meditation and visualization to teach patients to take control over their anxiety and