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Anxiety and depression are often confused in the media.

Anxiety can lead to depression, and depression can be associated with high levels of anxiety.

Are you anxious or depressed? It makes a difference in treatment and understanding.

The media is rife with discussions about “anxiety and depression,” often using them in a single phrase as if they represent a single psychological issue. In truth, anxiety and depression are two separate diagnoses, sometimes co-occurring in an individual, but most people in these categories suffer from anxiety or depression, and co-occurring cases usually have an “arrow” of causation that can be helpful to understand.

The arrow can go both ways: untreated anxiety leading to a restricted life can bring about demoralization which can eventually become depression. On the other hand, depression can cause people to withdraw from usual mood-maintaining activities such as exercise, work, and social support, and is often associated with increased anxiety. Anxiety often emerges as people feel unwell, are bewildered by the changes they are experiencing, and worry that they will not recover.

Most people who are depressed experience at least some anxiety, and most people with anxiety disorders eventually feel demoralized by the symptoms that persist.

Another reason why people sometimes conflate anxiety and depression is because many medications are effective for both conditions. And lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet are often recommended for both.

It is still helpful to understand what is happening so that the best therapeutic approach can be pursued with the best timing.

In general, if serious clinical depression is present, treatment for depression comes first. The anxiety may go away when the depression lifts—or additional treatment for anxiety disorder can follow. It is often difficult to treat anxiety disorders in the........

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