Depression or anemia? Similar symptoms can confuse diagnosis

Experts warn the importance of medical evaluation to correctly identify all conditions

Excessive tiredness, lack of disposition, concentration of difficulty and pallor are symptoms that can indicate both depression and anemia. Although distinct health conditions, the similarity in the signs can lead to incorrect diagnosis and delay adequate treatment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5.8% of the Brazilian population suffers from depression, which represent over 11 million people. Anemia affects about 30% of the world population, becoming a global public health problem.

According to Carlos Alberto Reyes Medina, medical director of the Carnot Laboratories, the differentiation between the two frames is essential to guarantee correct treatment.

“Anemia occurs when there is a reduction in the quantity of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, compromising the oxygenation of tissues and causing fatigue and weakness. Depression is a mental disorder that affects mood, behavior and cognition, which can lead to loss of interest, change in sleep and appetite and persistent sense of discouragement “, explains the expert.

The main symptoms of anemia include:

• Extreme fatigue
• pallor
• dizziness
• Seem breath
• Cold hands and feet
• hair loss
• Fragile nails.

On the other hand, depression is manifested by:

• constant sadness
• Lack of motivation
• Concentration difficulty
• Changes of sleep and appetite
• guilt and recurring negative thoughts.

To avoid confusion and guarantee correct diagnosis, laboratory tests such as the entire bloodocromo are essential to identify anemia and its causes. Depression is diagnosed through clinical evaluation by psychologists and psychiatrists. “If someone has persistent symptoms, looking for medical help is essential to avoid delays in treatment and improve the quality of life,” says Carlos.

With similar symptoms, but distinct causes and treatments, professional orientation becomes indispensable to differentiate each image and guarantee adequate health care.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.