Many individuals suffer from anxiety and depression at the same time. Sometimes, one of these conditions goes untreated. The result is that the individual receives treatment but because it is not complete, the person remains feeling unwell.
For example, it is not uncommon for people with social anxiety to also suffer from depression. According to the World Psychiatric Association (1995), 17% of social anxiety sufferers also have major depression.
If you are so depressed that your motivation is low and you feel hopelessness about the possibility of overcoming your social anxiety, it may interfere with treatment. Therefore, sometimes depression needs to be treated before social anxiety can be tackled.
On the other hand, many people find their lives becoming increasingly restricted by panic and anxiety and many do develop depression in reaction to their anxiety disorder. This adds to feelings of helplessness and confusion, because no matter how hard they try, it appears that they cannot recover.
Symptoms of depression can be similar to those of panic and anxiety and in the past, many people were being diagnosed as having depression, while their primary anxiety disorder remained undiagnosed and untreated. This can still sometimes occur. While it is important that the depression is treated, the underlying cause: the anxiety disorder also needs to be treated.
If you have been diagnosed as having depression and you are concerned that your anxiety disorder has not been recognised, please speak to your doctor as soon as possible and ask for a referral to a psychologist who has extensive knowledge and experience working with anxiety.
Masterpiece Psychology (former Anxiety Solutions CBT Psychology Practice), has been dedicated to treating anxiety since 1995. We understand the complexities involved and have our own unique treatment method which has helped hundreds of clients.
A mental health assessment can assist you to receive an accurate diagnosis which will inform your treatment needs including finding the correct medication if applicable.
Call us now to find out more. Our intake specialists can help you to access the most appropriate treatments for you.
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