Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder Symptoms
Mixed anxiety depressive disorder is a specific mental disorder where an individual exhibits both the symptoms of depression and anxiety equally. It is important that an individual with a mental disorder be diagnosed properly in order to receive the right treatment. If you believe you might be suffering from mixed anxiety depressive disorder, check yourself for these symptoms and consult a physician.
What is Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder?
Mixed anxiety depressive disorder occurs in those who have both depressive and anxious symptoms that cause distress and problems in their daily lives. However, the symptoms of both depression and anxiety are not strong enough for the person to be labeled under either one of these categories. This is why the diagnosis of mixed anxiety depressive disorder is so important.
Mixed anxiety depressive disorder involves strong symptoms of both conditions.
A study from the NCBI states that “mixed anxiety and depressive disorder… is common yet ill-defined, with little known about outcomes.” It is recommended though that a person who finds that symptoms of this disorder are negatively affecting his or her daily life should discuss it as soon as possible with a doctor or therapist. A family doctor can be very helpful during this time, as your mutual relationship might help the diagnosis along.
What are the Symptoms of Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder?
Another study from the NCBI lists the most frequently observed symptoms of mixed anxiety depressive disorder. These symptoms are:
- Trouble concentrating
The person will find it very hard to pay attention and concentrate, therefore making work, school, and other activities very difficult. - “Feeling mentally tense”
This occurs because the individual feels anxious and uncomfortable, making him or her exist in a state of tension much of the time even when there is nothing to be tense about. - Feelings of despair, sadness, or hopelessness
These feelings occur heavily in those who are diagnosed with depression. Those with mixed anxiety depressive disorder experience them too. - Dizziness or faintness
Dizziness and feeling faint can be debilitating and make it difficult for a person to work or do any physical activities. - Shortness of breath
This can be scary for those who are experiencing it. Mixed anxiety depressive disorder usually does not produce panic attacks but can be frightening all the same. - Nightmares
People who experience these nightmares may have difficulty falling asleep because of them or going back to sleep. - “Early waking up”
Due to both sides of the disorder, people wake up in the middle of the night with unhappy or anxious thoughts. - “Frequent tearfulness”
The symptom of tearfulness can become difficult on someone who must interact with others who do not understand the disorder. - Dry mouth
Dry mouth is another symptom of these disorders which manifests here. - Sudden hot or cold flashes
Other difficult symptoms are hot and cold flashes where individuals who experience them might not understand their meaning.
Mixed anxiety depressive disorder can be problematic even if its symptoms are not strong enough to put it into one category or another. It can make things very difficult on a person as well as his or her loved ones. Discussing your condition with your doctor is the first step toward treatment; soon, you should be on track to a better state of being.
