Lesson 7: Depression and Other Illnesses
For Your Benefit
According to the US National Comorbidity Survey published in 1996, 58 percent of those with major depression also suffer from anxiety. So bound together are the two illnesses that you may recall from Lesson Two that Herman Van Praag of Maastricht University proposed there be a new subtype of depression called anxiety/aggression-driven depression.
Anxiety disorders are grouped as follows (from Anxiety Disorders Association of America):
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)- "characterized by excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts for six months or more."
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - "persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears." May include rituals such as excessive hand-washing.
Panic Disorder - "People with panic disorder suffer severe attacks of panic-which may make them feel like they are having a heart attack or are going crazy-for no apparent reason."
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - reliving a traumatic event, avoidance behaviors, and emotional numbing. May include flashbacks and nightmares.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) - "extreme anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or ridicule."
Specific phobias - eg heights.
The same meds you use for depression may be pressed into service for anxiety, which suggests the two illness share some common biological causes. Other anxiety meds include benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Valium (which can be addictive). Cognitive therapy also works well for anxiety.
In light of Sept 11, it is important that you realize we are a particularly vulnerable population. The full gamut of thoughts and emotions that have been normal in the weeks following the tragedy should have diminished by now. If you are aware of any persisting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are interfering with sleep or other functions or the ability to get on with your life, you should bring these up with your doctor or psychiatrist at the first available opportunity.
