Mixed Anxiety-depressive Disorder - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders can be very similar. A diagnosis of mixed anxiety-depressive disorder as opposed to a diagnosis of depression or an anxiety disorder can be difficult. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders IV has defined certain requirements for diagnosing mixed anxiety-depressive disorder:

• A dysphoric mood is chronic or recurring for a minimum of 4 weeks and has at least four of the following symptoms: troubles concentrating or with memory, disturbed sleep, tiredness or lack of energy, feeling irritable, worrying, crying easily, enhanced sensory state, expecting the worst, feeling hopeless or pessimistic, or having low self esteem/feeling worthless.
• The symptoms presented are not caused by medications, drugs, or a health condition.
• The symptoms cause significant impairments or distresses in aspects of daily life.
• The symptoms do not meet the criteria for different and separate mental health disorders. Many people experience depression and anxiety symptoms at the same time, often of sufficient severity for both to be diagnosed. Between 10% and 65% of individuals with Panic Disorder also experience Major Depressive Disorder, with approximately a third of such individuals experiencing depression prior to the onset of panic. For others, the restrictions to lifestyle and erosion of social and emotional well-being caused by ongoing anxiety can result in depression.