Depression is not considered an anxiety disorder. It is classified as a mood disorder, while anxiety disorders fall under a separate category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Common anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, or relationships.
- Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by intense fear and physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, or shortness of breath.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear of social situations where one might be judged or embarrassed.
- Specific Phobias: Extreme fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., heights, spiders, flying).
How is depression different?
Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), involves ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest, and changes in appetite or sleep. While it can co-occur with anxiety, it is treated differently and has its own set of diagnostic criteria.
Why this distinction matters:
Knowing the difference between anxiety disorders and mood disorders like depression is important for receiving the right treatment. Effective care may include therapy (like CBT), medication, or a combination, depending on the diagnosis.
Depression is not an anxiety disorder. It is a mood disorder, while anxiety disorders include conditions like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Specific Phobias.