One cannot understand depression without considering the role of anxiety, tension and stress. Anxiety, in particular, is always present in greater or lesser degree. At times the realization that all is not well induces severe anxiety, and the fear of a nervous breakdown, often hidden or suppressed, is common.
Anxiety and tension are often lumped together, but in fact they have different characteristics.

 Anxiety

 Tension

 Stress

 Diagnosis and treatment

 Self-help

 Medical treatment

 Medications in Common Use

 Anti depressants

 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

 Benzodiazepines

 Phenothiazines

 Lithium carbonate