Question:
I did suffer for many years with "anxiety" attacks - but never suffered from
"depression" I have always been an outgoing, athletic type - and a social
activist. Never did suffer from depression, Is "depression" a more severe and latent form of "anxiety" attacks?
Answer:
Depression and anxiety are related, but not two sides
of the same coin. Some suffer from both. Sometimes, as in my case, one
triggers the other. Take care of the first problem and often the
underlying problem goes away (once again, this is my situation--may not
hold true for everyone). It does seem to be that depression is harder to medicate and treat
successfully than panic, but once again, that is my observation. Backed
up by absolutely no scientific facts. Not only is depression a natural psychological consequence
of anxiety/panic attacks, but biological forms of
anxiety/panic disorders involve some of the same hormones. I'm sorry to break the news to you, but Ronshelly is not a well adjusted
person. my hormones are out of place at times and I agree 100% with
you. It seems that depression and anxiety/panic show comparable neurotransmitter
imbalance patterns. According to that theory (?) some people develop depression
while others develop anxiety/panic. I'm quite sure that this will prove not be the
whole story though.
Also, prolonged anxiety/panic can *cause* depression.
Thirdly depression and anxiety/panic sometimes are comorbid. My general, non-specific anxiety definitely came first. I believe it was a
cumulative effect of years of anxiety before depression was brought into
the mix. Your condition is much more interesting clinically speaking. I've
never heard of a happy, well adjusted person suffering panic attacks.
