Depression vs. Anxiety: Which One Do I Have?

By Stephanie Watson

Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on June 30, 2021

Anxiety and depression are types of mood disorders. Among other things, depression causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and reduced energy. Anxiety creates feelings of nervousness, worry, or dread. Although the two conditions are different, you can have both at the same time. Agitation and restlessness can also be a symptom of depression.

It's normal to have feelings of anxiety or depression from time to time. But when these feelings happen often and they interfere with your life, you might have a disorder that is treatable.

Your symptoms can help your doctor figure out which of these two conditions you have, or if you have both. Some of the same treatments work for anxiety and depression.