Anxious Depression refers to anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).  It affects approximately 10-16 million adults in the United States each year. This is distinct from patients that experience depression that is triggered by a primary diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

Both anxiety and depression have been associated with experiencing distress when facing the unknown. For depression, the trigger is related to a sense of sadness, and anxiety grows from thoughts of a future “threat” whose likelihood remains unclear. While depression is defined by a lack of energy, anxiety is perceived as more of a system overload and is tied to excessive concern over the possibility of experiencing harm.

Common anxiety symptoms include nervousness, feelings of panic, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, insomnia, trembling, and difficulty focusing or thinking clearly.

Anxious Depression Demographics: Between 60-90% of patients with depression have moderate to severe anxiety. Anxious depression is linked to greater severity of depression symptoms, higher risk of suicide, reduced response rates to treatment, and higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.