Depression is a common, yet serious, psychological illness affecting more than 17 million adult Americans every year, according to Psychology Information Online. It is not a condition people can simply snap out of--it requires treatment to relieve the symptoms and pain these symptoms cause. Before treatment can commence, a doctor must first determine the type of depression a person suffers from, as several forms exist.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common types of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It causes a combination of symptoms, ranging from moderate to severe, that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy activities they once enjoyed.
Psychology Information Online states that you do not need to feel suicidal or be hospitalized to have major depression. However, both are factors of this type of disorder. The NIMH adds that while it is possible for a person to experience only one episode in his life, more often than not it recurs throughout his lifetime.
Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic disorder is the other most common type of depression, next to major depression. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition, lasting two years or longer, causing less severe symptoms according to the NIMH. HelpGuide describes it as a kind of low-grade depression, explaining that while on most days people suffer from mild to moderate depression, normal moods occur in between. The symptoms may not be as disabling as those seen in major depression, however they can prevent the person from functioning to the best of her ability.
Psychology Information Online adds that the symptoms of dysthymic disorder are more resistant to treatment and some people with this type develop major depression over the course of their episodes.
Atypical Depression
A type of major depression, atypical depression produces a specific pattern of symptoms. Unlike major depression, which causes constant symptoms, atypical depression results in a temporary mood lift as a reaction to positive events. This can include going out with friends or receiving good news. Once the moment is gone though, so is the happiness.
HelpGuide stresses the importance of identifying this particular type of depression, as it appears to respond better to certain medications and therapies than other types of depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression more commonly seen in younger people and those who live in northern climates, according to HelpGuide. The depression begins during the winter months when sunlight dwindles and ends during the spring and summer when sunlight is plentiful. The NIMH states that light therapy (subjection to artificial light) is an effective treatment, however in some cases antidepressants and psychotherapy may need to be used as well.
Manic-Depression
Better known as bipolar disorder, manic-depression causes extreme and erratic highs and lows in a person's mood. One week a person may be excessively happy--so much so that he loses touch with reality. The next week he can suffer from depression, experiencing thoughts of suicide. While not as common as major depression or dysthymic disorder, manic-depression has serious, adverse effects on a person's life and requires treatment.
