The Many Conditions that Mimic Depression

Finding the right diagnosis for any disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation. Because many illnesses share many of the same symptoms. Take symptoms such as headache, stomachache, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, insomnia and appetite loss. There are countless conditions with these exact signs. Similarly, many mental illnesses share the same symptoms, said Stephanie Smith, PsyD, a psychologist in practice in Erie, Colo., who specializes in working with individuals with depression. Which makes “the process of diagnosing mental illness tricky, to say the least.” For instance, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can look like depression. All three cause difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping and increased worry, Smith said. Anxiety also mimics depression. According to psychotherapist Colleen Mullen, PsyD, LMFT, like individuals with depression, people who struggle with anxiety might not want to get out of bed. They might stop going to work. They might withdraw socially. However, the depression isn’t driving the person’s behavior. Anxiety is. “An anxious person may stop engaging in their outside world because of the level of anxiety they experience when they try to leave their home.” Because of this, they might, understandably, become depressed, as well. Still, it’s important to treat the anxiety symptoms first (which, in turn, will help to diminish the depression), said Mullen, founder of the Coaching Through Chaos private pra...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: ADHD and ADD Anxiety and Panic Depression Disorders General Health-related Mental Health and Wellness Psychology Self-Help Stress Beck Depression Inventory Bipolar Disorder Cancer Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Clinical Depression Source Type: blogs