Types of Depression

8 de agosto de 2023

4 min de lectura

Nearly 1 in 5 adults experience depression or have experienced depression at some point in their lifetimes. Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, and persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, are two of the most commonly experienced types of depression. What many people don’t know is that there are many disorders that fall under the larger umbrella of depression.

What links many of these mood disorders to major depression are periods of major depression, like true bipolar disorder.

Below, we go over the main types of depression.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depression is defined as a mood disorder where people experience one or more major depressive episodes. A major depressive episode is characterized by the experience of five or more symptoms for a persistent two-week period.

This disorder can be recurrent for some people, meaning episodes can occur once a month, once a year, or several times throughout a person’s lifetime. People diagnosed with recurring major depression are said to have unipolar depression because they just experience the low moods that are associated with depression, unlike the mania and “highs” that come with bipolar depression. This type of depression used to be referred to as clinical depression.

The symptoms of major depression include:

Depressed or low mood
Changes to sleep or weight
Fatigue
Lack of interest in activities that the person normally enjoys
Difficulty focusing
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of death and suicide

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Dysthymia is a type of depression where a person experiences more days of depression than days without depression for a period of two or more years. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

People with persistent depressive disorder (PDD) can experience brief periods of weeks or even months without feeling depressed, but eventually, the depression will return. Symptoms of PDD are generally not as severe as major depressive disorder but are long-lasting and pervasive.

Symptoms of PDD include:

Sadness
Loss of pleasure and interest
Anger and irritability
Guilt
Low self-esteem
Difficulting staying asleep or falling asleep
Oversleeping
Fatigue and lack of energy
Feelings of hopelessness
Trouble concentrating
Changes to appetite

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a type of depression that features periods of abnormally high moods called mania. These periods of mania can range from mild to extreme. Extreme periods of mania can impair a person’s life, affect a person’s understanding of reality, and require hospitalization. Most people that have bipolar disorder also experience episodes of major depression.

The risk of suicide for people who experience bipolar disorder is about 15 times greater than for the general population. In extreme cases, psychosis may occur.

Some symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

Fatigue, lethargy, insomnia
Unexplained pains and aches along with psychomotor agitation
Low self-esteem and hopelessness
Anxiety and irritability
Disorganization and indecision

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that occurs during pregnancy and especially after giving birth. While mood changes, irritability, anxiety, and other symptoms are far from rare, they usually last for up to two weeks. The symptoms of PPD are more severe and long-lasting than typical “baby blues”.

PPD ranges from pervasive sadness and lethargy to postpartum psychosis, which is a condition that features delusions, hallucinations, and confusion.

If PPD is left untreated, the condition may last for up to a year. Luckily, there are effective treatments including antidepressants, hormone therapy, and counseling.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD) is a mood disorder that occurs during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms of PDD are similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but are much more severe. PDD can lead to extreme mood swings and that can disturb daily life and functioning.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder, also called, major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns is a mood disorder characterized by weight gain, sleepiness, and depression in the winter months that dissipate in the spring.

SAD is believed to be brought on by the changing light in the winter affecting the circadian rhythm. Variations in the daylight can disrupt the circadian rhythm resulting in SAD.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is different from the more common signs of depression. For example, someone with atypical depression may experience oversleeping, overeating, and sensitivity to rejection but may feel better when a positive event in their life occurs.

Takeaway

There are many kinds of depression and people experience depression in a variety of ways. If you or a loved one believe they might be suffering from depression, it’s important that you tell your doctor or seek help from a mental health professional.

While depression may not always be curable, there are effective treatments out there that can reduce the severity of symptoms and help individuals affected by depression lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, dial the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.

Sources:

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