Symptoms of anxious depressive disorder and appropriate treatments

Although we can suffer from depression or anxiety separately, the two can also be combined and suffered from at the same time. This gives rise to depressive anxiety disorder, which is a unique mental challenge for psychologists. Here we explain how it develops and what the main causes are. As well as the symptoms and the appropriate treatments to combat it.

How does a person with depressive anxiety disorder behave?

Commonly, the sufferer experiences both problems that are common in depression and those typical of anxiety. They occur in equal parts, causing enormous emotional pain and irritability. Also low mood or sadness low self-esteem and even feelings of guilt, in general.

This is how a person diagnosed with depressive anxiety disorder behaves. It is curious because it mixes contradictory feelings, such as hyperarousal and lack of energy. However, this cocktail appears to have lower doses of each symptom compared to the higher intensity of each symptom separately.

Causes of the anxious depressive syndrome

They are distinct, and often, not only does the anxious depressive syndrome arise from a single factor, but several are involved. It is sometimes difficult to detect. In any case, the most common risk factors are:

• Family history or genetics, if our grandparents or parents have already suffered from depression, anxiety or both.
• Traumatic or stressful experiences such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job or other emotionally charged event.
• Environmental influences. For example, one current issue is the abuse of social networks or certain substances (narcotics, alcohol, etc.).
• Biochemical changes in the brain, which inevitably affect our mood regulation.

Sometimes, depressive anxiety disorder can also result from first suffering one of the two sentimental situations that constitute it.

Anxious-depressive disorder: symptoms

More specifically, we review all the psychological symptoms that the patient has:

• Anguish.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Tension and nervousness.
• Excessive worry or concern.
• Problems falling asleep or sleeping and resting.
• Little desire to carry out activities or tasks and loss of interest in those that give us pleasure and mental satisfaction.
• Long-term despair that the situation will change for the better and, in the worst cases, even suicidal thoughts.

Other physical symptoms can also be observed:

• Headaches and muscle aches, especially in the neck and back area.
• Fatigue, a consequence of poor bed rest.
• Gastrointestinal difficulties (diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion…).
• Change in libido or sexual desire.
• Weight loss, as a consequence of the poor appetite of the person with the anxious depressive syndrome.

How to treat depressive anxiety disorder

Now that we know more about depressive anxiety disorder, we can ask ourselves the key question: how to treat it so that it goes away? First, the diagnosis must be accurate and precise, which is rarely easy. Especially because it is detected too late, as the sufferer does not attach importance to his or her condition. A careful assessment is necessary to provide personalised treatment.

This requires patience and continuous effort on the part of the patient, assisted by a professional psychologist. This specialist uses cognitive behavioural therapy, which is the most effective. The aim is for the person to learn to regulate their anxiety levels by exposing themselves to the different situations that trigger it. The aim is for them to learn how to manage their emotions in the best possible way.

This involves identifying and addressing negative thoughts or behaviours that worsen the anxious-depressive syndrome. At the same time, realistic and achievable goals are set, including managing stress, improving self-esteem and developing appropriate coping skills to deal with challenging moments. In short, the therapy attempts to bring about a cognitive reconfiguration.

Support, exercise and other techniques

Depending on the patient’s history, the disorder’s severity and ability to adapt to the circumstances, they will recover sooner or later. In any case, social support, both from friends and family, is essential. It is also important to follow healthy routines such as regular physical exercise and to return to pleasurable activities.

Through relaxation and breathing techniques, we help the person in treatment to improve their symptoms. Psychoeducation also helps: explaining what is happening to them so that they understand what is happening to them. Finally, you can take some helpful mental well-being supplements, such as G7 Neuro Health. A unique formula with biotin and organic silicon.

In summary, depressive anxiety disorder is certainly complex, but early detection is essential. If treatment is started when it is not very well developed, it is much better to prevent it from worsening. With the right methods, the patient can get out of the situation.