Depression Type

Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses. Below are listed most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

• Major Depression (Chronic Depression)
• Dysthymia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Postpartum Depression
• Clinical Depression

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

In major depression, people experience a sad mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities for at least 2 weeks. In addition, they have at least four other symptoms of depression. Major depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. If it is not treated, it can last for 6 months or more.

Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Dysthymic disorder is diagnosed when depressed mood persists for at least 2 years (1 year in children) and is accompanied by at least two other symptoms of depression. Many people with dysthymia develop major depressive episodes.

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.

Postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. A woman may have a number of symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

There are several mood disorders that include general depression. Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is signified by periods of extreme highs followed by periods of extreme lows. Clinical depression is defined as a long-term depression episode, and seasonal affective disorder is a depressive disorder that relates to the seasons in a cyclical mode.