Baptist Health Richmond

What is known as mood disorders or affective disorders are mental health conditions where a person feels sad or worried much of the time or fluctuates between periods of intense sadness and intense happiness . Depression and anxiety fall into this category .

“ While it may seem like they would be easy to distinguish from one another , they can be surprisingly difficult for a person who is suffering from one or the other ( or for their loved ones ) to tell apart ,” said Kari DuBosque , MD , psychiatrist at Baptist Health Richmond .

“ This is partly because the conditions share certain symptoms and also because both conditions can be present at the same time .”

IS MAJOR DEPRESSION ?

What is commonly called depression may be referred to by healthcare providers as major depression or clinical depression . 1 in 8 men and 1 in 5 women suffer from depression .

Its symptoms include :

• Depressed mood

• Changes in appetite

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Lack of energy

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Difficulty concentrating , remembering or making decisions

• Restlessness or irritability

• Persistent medical problems such as headaches or pain that don ’ t respond to treatment

• Suicidal thoughts or actions

“ If any or all of these symptoms are present for more than two weeks , the diagnosis of major depression or a related condition may be made ,” said Dr . DuBosque .

WHAT IS GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER ?

What people often call anxiety is known as generalized anxiety disorder , or GAD , by mental health professionals . 1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women suffer from GAD .

The symptoms of GAD include :

• Feeling anxious or worried much or all of the time

• Restlessness

• Fatigue

• Trouble concentrating or mind going blank

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances including the inability to fall / stay asleep or achieve restful sleep