Depressed individuals experience both mental and physical symptoms. The types of symptoms experienced--as well as their duration and frequency--are used to differentiate different types of depression. Treatment is available in the form of medication, therapy or both. In a 2007 study, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that antidepressants are the most prescribed drugs in the United States. The widespread use of antidepressants is indicative of the extent of these types of disorders.
Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), major depressive disorder is characterized by the presence of a major depressive episode, which is a period of at least two weeks of depressed mood and lack of interest, as well as a minimum of four other symptoms of depression. These symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideation, feeling guilty, feeling worthless, or changes in appetite or sleeping patterns.
Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent
Two or more major depressive episodes are required to render a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent. These episodes, as defined above, must last a minimum of two weeks and be separated by a period of two months or more in order to be considered separate and distinct episodes. During the time between episodes, individuals may still have symptoms of depression but not to the extent of a full-blown episode.
Dysthymic Disorder
The most prominent symptom of dysthymic disorder, or dysthmia, is having a depressed mood for the majority of the time over the course of at least two years. According to HealthyPlace.com, although dysthmia is a milder type of depression, it can develop as early as childhood as opposed to major depression. Symptoms in children need only last a year to meet the DSM-IV-TR criteria for this disorder. Symptoms of dysthmia can persist for years and even become part of a person's personality.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a disorder with depressive symptoms that does not meet the criteria necessary for any of the above referenced depressive disorders. As such, it is a depressive disorder "not otherwise specified" (NOS). Menstrual cycles that are preceded by depression, anxiety and the fluctuation of emotions are indicative of this disorder. These symptoms must occur in the majority of menstrual cycles for at least a year and impair an individual's ability to fulfill her daily responsibilities.
Minor Depressive Disorder
Minor depressive disorder is a depressive disorder NOS. Although the symptoms of this disorder are the same as major depressive disorder, minor depressive disorders require the presence of less than 5 of the symptoms of a major depressive episode. The two-week duration required for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder is also required for this disorder.
References
- Health Place: Dysthymia
- "DSM-IV-TR"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- CNN Health: CDC: Antidepressants most prescribed drugs in U.S.
