Mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MADD) is a new diagnostic category defining patients who suffer from both anxiety and depressive symptoms of limited and equal intensity accompanied by at least some autonomic features. Patients do not meet the criteria for specific anxiety disorder or depressive disorders. The emergence of the symptoms is independent of stressful life events.

According to the DSM-IV the diagnostic criteria for Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder is:

a) Presence of a persistent or recurrent dysphoric mood lasting 4 weeks or more and accompanied
by 4 or more of the following symptoms:

Concentration or memory difficulties
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue or low energy
Irritability
Worry
Being easily moved to tears
Hypervigilance
Anticipating the worst
Hopelessness or pessimism about the future
Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness

b) Symptoms are not due to a medication, drug abuse, or a medical condition and cause
significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

c) Symptoms do not meet criteria of any other mental disorder.

 

In the National Comorbidity Survey (2005), 58% of patients diagnosed with major depression were found to have an anxiety disorder; among these patients, the rate of comorbidity with generalized anxiety disorder was 17.2%, and with panic disorder, 9.9%. Patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder also had high rates of comorbid depression, including 22.4% of patients with social phobia, 9.4% with agoraphobia, and 2.3% with panic disorder.

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