Impact of Anxious Symptoms and Comorbid Anxiety Disorders on Functional Impairment in Depressed Patients

Patients with depression may have unrecognized anxiety symptoms or comorbid anxiety disorders that hinder their ability to function and their response to treatment. Patients with both depressive and anxious symptoms may be more sensitive to medication adverse effects and require lower starting doses of antidepressants than those with only depression. Regular monitoring of symptoms and functioning should include the use of rating scales to help identify areas of need. Novel antidepressants and augmentation strategies may be necessary to help patients achieve recovery.