Anxiety can co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and PTSD, creating experiences that benefit from holistic, integrated care.
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns in Australia, affecting approximately one in four people at some point in their lives. While anxiety can occur as a standalone condition, it may coexist with other mental health challenges—a situation known as comorbidity.
Understanding the intersection between anxiety and co-occurring mental health conditions is useful for providing holistic care. It also empowers individuals and their support networks to seek appropriate help. This article explores common co-occurring conditions, highlights the importance of integrated care, and provides guidance for those navigating these experiences.
If you’re living with anxiety or related challenges, contact Strategic Psychology for confidential, professional support tailored to your needs.
The Relationship Between Anxiety and Other Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. While each has unique characteristics, they often share overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression is the most frequently co-occurring condition with anxiety. Approximately half of those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder also experience depression. These two conditions share similar symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, and changes in appetite.
Substance Use Disorders
Anxiety disorders may also co-occur with substance use disorders. Some individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to self-manage anxiety symptoms. While this may provide short-term relief, it may lead to dependence and worsen anxiety over time.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing a traumatic event and often includes symptoms such as hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance behaviours. These symptoms frequently overlap with anxiety, and addressing trauma history may be helpful when both conditions are present.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is not classified as an anxiety disorder, but it shares many characteristics, including excessive worry and distress. People with OCD may experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts and engage in repetitive behaviours to reduce anxiety.
Why Comorbidity Matters
When mental health conditions co-occur, their effects may be compounded. For example, anxiety can reduce motivation, which may worsen symptoms of depression.
Co-occurring conditions can impact:
- Employment and academic performance
- Relationships and social engagement
- Physical health and wellbeing
- Recognising and addressing comorbidity ensures that treatment plans reflect the full scope of a person’s mental health needs.
Support and Interventions
Below are some approaches that can support people living with anxiety and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Psychological Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used treatments for both anxiety and depression. It helps individuals to identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and gradually face anxiety-provoking situations.
In cases involving trauma, therapies such as trauma-informed CBT or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) may be beneficial. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) may also be used, particularly when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are challenges.
Integrated Care Models
Integrated care involves collaboration between general practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals. This coordinated approach may be effective for those with multiple mental health concerns, ensuring continuity and personalisation of care.
Reducing Stigma and Promoting Recovery
Stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help, particularly when multiple mental health conditions are involved. This can lead some people to delay reaching out or to underreport their experiences.
It’s important to know that having more than one mental health condition is not uncommon, and it does not reflect weakness or failure. Many individuals manage or recover from these challenges with the right support, education, and compassionate care.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, contact Strategic Psychology for support. Our team is here to help you navigate your journey with empathy and care.
Conclusion
Anxiety may coexist with other mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and OCD.
For professional, compassionate support, contact Strategic Psychology today and take the first step toward improved mental health.
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2022, National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-21, ABS, Canberra, retrieved from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release (accessed 10 April 2025).
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2023, Mental health services in Australia, AIHW, Canberra, retrieved from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia (accessed 10 April 2025).
- Beyond Blue 2023, Anxiety and depression, Beyond Blue, retrieved from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety (accessed 10 April 2025).
- Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) 2023, Resources for consumers and practitioners, Government of Western Australia Department of Health, retrieved from: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/ (accessed 10 April 2025).
- MindSpot 2024, Mental Health Resource Library, MindSpot Clinic, retrieved from: https://www.mindspot.org.au/resource-library/ (accessed 10 April 2025).
- Black Dog Institute 2024, Anxiety, Black Dog Institute, viewed 10 April 2025, https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/anxiety/ (accessed 10 April 2025).