{"id":11105,"date":"2020-05-01T09:00:40","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T13:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=11105"},"modified":"2025-09-04T18:19:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T22:19:05","slug":"medication-for-anxiety-and-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medication-for-anxiety-and-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Medications that treat anxiety and depression"},"content":{"rendered":"

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common <\/span>mental health<\/span> disorders in the United States. But did you know it\u2019s common to have both depression and anxiety at the same time? Nearly 50% of people who are diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an <\/span>anxiety disorder<\/span>, according to the<\/span> Anxiety and Depression Association of America<\/span><\/a> (ADAA).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you or a loved one receive this dual diagnosis, you might wonder if that means double the treatment. Not necessarily\u2014there are medications that treat both depression and anxiety. Your <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span> will work with you to determine the right treatment plan for your specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can I have depression and anxiety at the same time?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Depression and anxiety are two different <\/span>mental health<\/span> disorders that are often comorbid. Meaning, they occur at the same time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Depression is a mental disorder that is commonly identified with intense feelings of hopelessness, despair, worthlessness, and overwhelming sadness. More than 16% of Americans will experience depression (sometimes called major depressive disorder) at some point during their lifetime, according to the<\/span> Cleveland Clinic<\/span><\/a>. While most people will experience feelings of sadness at some point, with depression, these feelings are prolonged\u2014lasting <\/span>two weeks<\/span><\/a> or more\u2014and severe enough to impact daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety disorders<\/span><\/a> are characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear that impacts everyday functioning. Without treatment, anxiety can get worse over time. There are a number of <\/span>anxiety disorders<\/span>, with their own set of unique symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

About <\/span>2% of people in the U.S.<\/span><\/a> have <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span> (GAD). According to <\/span>Richard Shelton<\/span><\/a>, MD, a psychiatrist and the vice chair of research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, GAD symptoms include persistent fear and worry that is often difficult to control. Other <\/span>anxiety disorders<\/span> include:<\/span><\/p>\n