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Symptoms of Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders (MADD) present both anxiety and depression symptoms simultaneously. In contrast to pure anxiety disorders or pure depression, MADD is more disabling and difficult to treat. The existence of MADD caused debate about its place in psychiatric nomenclature. Some believe that MADD is not a reason to exclude because it can help patients access treatment and prevent the progression of a syndromal disease. Causes It's important to get assistance if you or someone you love is suffering from both anxiety and depression simultaneously. This mental disorder, which is known by the acronym MADD can make it hard to cope with daily life. The symptoms of this disorder are feelings of sadness and worry and fatigue and difficulty concentrating, being easily distracted, as well as irritability. The disorder can be treated and it's best to address it early on. There is no one specific reason for this disorder however certain risk factors are more likely than others. People with an ancestral history of anxiety or depression are more likely to develop this type of mood disorder. Other reasons for this condition might include having a stressful relationship or job or being the victim of abuse in childhood, having low self-esteem or a distorted sense of self-worth, exposure to traumatizing events, as well as chronic illness. MADD is not curable, but it can be managed with different types of therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders helps patients to recognize and overcome negative thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs that trigger their feelings of sadness and anxiety. Therapists provide their clients with healthy ways to cope and stress-reducing techniques. Antidepressant medications are also sometimes used to treat this condition. They are typically SSRIs or even SNRIs, which increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. Researchers looked at the results of 85 people who had met MADD criteria within the current ICD-10 system. The study found that the majority of the patients who developed MADD relapsed within one year. The majority of patients had syndromal depression or anxiety, or met other ICD-10 diagnoses. While there isn't a cure for MADD, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and prevent this condition from becoming more severe. You can improve your mood by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. You can also engage in mindfulness meditation or pray. It is also essential to stay away from the consumption of refined sugars and caffeine, as they can exacerbate depression and anxiety symptoms. Symptoms It's not uncommon for people to experience both anxiety and depression. They might be able to distinguish them in their minds but when they're disrupting their daily lives the combination diagnosis may aid in making the most of treatment options. Symptoms of mixed anxiety and depressive disorder can include worry and sadness, low energy or feelings of emptiness, as well as physical symptoms like dizziness or headaches. These symptoms can cause issues at work, school and in relationships. The latest ICD-11 version of the International Classification of Diseases includes a category for comorbid anxiety and depression. The criteria stipulates that a person is diagnosed with MADD when they have a combination of both anxiety and depression, but neither anxiety nor depression by itself meets the diagnostic threshold for a syndromal depression or anxiolytic disorder. It is a slang term for those who fall in the grey zone between anxiety and depression, and it allows clinicians to avoid making a arbitrary decision on which disorder a patient is most likely to progress to based solely on cross-sectional information. Many factors can cause both anxiety and depression but the most important ones are a person's genetic predisposition, life events that have caused stress, and medical conditions including chronic pain or side effects of medications like blood pressure medicines or antidepressants. Personality patterns like self-criticism, perfectionists, or seeing the glass as half full can also increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders. MADD patients may have the same symptoms that people suffering from anxiety or depression experience however, they are more frequent and severe. They can be debilitating and difficult to treat if either depression or anxiety is the primary diagnosis, and there is increased chance of suicidal behavior. Some of the same treatments for both depression and anxiety are effective for MADD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, exercise and changes to diet. The use of medications such as sedatives or antidepressants may be prescribed if needed, based on the degree of symptoms. Diagnosis Symptoms of depression and anxiety are often inextricably linked and difficult to differentiate. Some of the symptoms are low motivation, fatigue or sleep, and anger. Depression can also affect your eating habits, causing you to withdraw socially. Those with untreated depression can have trouble functioning at school, 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 often based on the patient's symptoms in addition to their family history and recent life events. Genetics, traumas and past experiences are all risk factors for anxiety and depression. Different types of psychometric tests can assist a mental health professional determine the severity of anxiety and depression. They can also advise on the best method of treatment for you. Mild to moderate cases of MADD can often be treated with psychotherapy and counselling like talk therapy (CBT, REBT, hypnotherapy) or alternative therapies such as meditation. For more severe and disabling instances, medication could be suggested. Antidepressants are often used to treat depression, while anxiolytics can be used to treat anxiety. Some researchers have argued that MADD should be removed as a diagnosis. They claim that MADD is associated with fewer remissions, and a higher incidence of developing into syndromal disorders. However, several studies that are based on retrospective clinical data suggest that this approach is not a good one and warrants more thorough examination. A study that tracked the lives of 85 MADD patients found that after a year, nearly half of them had gone away. The remaining were classified as having syndromal depression or anxiety. Thus, it is likely that the majority of those who meet the requirements for MADD are either not significantly affected or are in a prodromal stage of an affective disorder with syndromal symptoms and do not require a dedicated diagnosis of MADD. Treatment It is important to seek assistance when depression and anxiety are present. Your therapist can help you to accept your emotions as normal and natural, rather than fighting against them. Your therapist can teach you methods and tools to ease the symptoms. This includes learning to relax and let go of your anxieties, as well as developing healthy coping mechanisms and limiting your intake of stimulants, such as caffeine or processed foods that can make your symptoms worse. Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders can be a challenge to treat and diagnose, but there are effective treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or benzodiazepines. These medications can improve your mood because they affect how your brain reacts to certain nerve impulses. You could also benefit from cognitive behavioral treatment which can help to change negative thinking patterns or strategies for coping that contribute to your symptoms. It is well-documented that co-occurring anxiety and depression symptoms are common. In fact according to a study of psychological problems in primary care they account for about half of all reported psychological disorders. However, it's a question of whether MADD should be a distinct diagnostic entity in psychiatric classification systems. A number of studies have proven that MADD doesn't have enough diagnostic validity or stability over time. It is unclear if the MADD diagnosis can guide patients to the appropriate treatment. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that depression and anxiety have a number of symptoms. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people with subthreshold, co-occurring anxiety and depression to change to a different psychiatric diagnosis in the course of time. In the DSM-5 that does not include an explicit diagnosis for MADD patients suffering from subsyndromal depression and anxiety symptoms are coded as having a different depressive disorder (with anxiety-related distress). Despite the ongoing debate over whether MADD is a valid diagnostic entity there are several reasons that suggest its continued importance in improving outcomes for patients and facilitating access. This includes allowing patients to seek help early, preventing exacerbation of symptoms and reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.