A diagnosis of major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety means that both mental illnesses are occurring together. While generalized anxiety sounds like a diagnosis of major depression with some general anxiety thrown in, the term is a misnomer.

Facts

Generalized anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder, is a mental illness all its own. Major depressive disorder is also known as "major depression," "clinical depression" and, more commonly, "depression," according to MayoClinic.com.

Symptoms

Symptoms of major depression include sadness, hopelessness, feeling anxious and on edge, as well as a loss of interest in activities that would normally be enjoyable. Symptoms of generalized anxiety include constant worrying, feeling tired, rapid heart rate, increased breath rate and difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of major depression with generalized anxiety, or the diagnosis of any mental illness or combination of illnesses, can only be made by a licensed mental health professional.

Treatment

Because major depression and generalized anxiety are two different problems treated with different medications, the physician prescribing the medication will adjust the treatment of a dual diagnosis to suit the individual patient's needs.

Considerations

Depression is considered a medical complication with generalized anxiety. Generalized anxiety is also considered a complication with depression. It is hard to tell which disorder manifested itself first.

Source:

MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression)

MayoClinic.com: Generalized Anxiety Disorder