03/29/2025
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ARE NOT A STANDALONE DIAGNOSIS
because they are broad SYMPTOM categories rather than SPECIFIC DISORDER In the DSM-5, diagnoses need to be specific enough to guide treatment, and "anxiety and depression" is too vague to determine an appropriate course of action. Instead, clinicians diagnose specific anxiety disorders (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, OCD) and depressive disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder).
Another reason is that while anxiety and depression frequently co-occur, they function differently. Anxiety is driven by excessive worry and fear, often leading to avoidance behaviors, whereas depression is characterized by persistent low mood, lack of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. Treating them effectively requires distinguishing whether the anxiety is primary, the depression is primary, or if they are mutually reinforcing.