Depression is a common but serious mental illness that presents itself in many forms. Some are more severe than others, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines these depression types. The three most distinct forms of depression are major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder and manic depression. This determination is based on the distress they cause and the person's inability to function.
Major Depressive Disorder
Also known as major and clinical depression, major depressive disorder is one of the most severe types of depression. HealthyPlace explains that the term "clinical depression" merely means it is severe enough to require treatment. Depression-help-resource adds that a person suffering from this type of depression experiences symptoms lasting most of the day, every day, for a minimum of two weeks.
The National Institute of Mental Health adds that major depressive disorder manifests itself through a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, eat, sleep and enjoy activities that he once took pleasure in. These symptoms include feeling worthless or guilty, fatigue, repeated thoughts of death or suicide, problems sleeping or an increase in sleeping and a significant change in weight--either loss or gain.
Dysthymic Disorder
Known also as dysthymia, this type of depression produces a constant depressed mood for a for a minimum of two years accompanied by at least two or more symptoms. These symptoms may include a decrease or increase in eating, a decrease in energy, problems concentrating, an increase in sleeping or insomnia, low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness.
While this is a less severe form of depression, its chronic (ongoing) symptoms do prevent one from feeling good or functioning normally. People with dysthymia also experience a major depressive episode at some point in their life.
Manic Depression
Better known as bipolar disorder, manic depression causes episodes of mania and depression. The episodes of mania are periods of extreme highs and are typically followed by periods of extreme lows, or depression. An episode of mania typically consists of a persistent or irritable mood lasting for at least one week. A minimum of three more symptoms accompany a manic episode. Symptoms may include an inflated feeling of self-importance, being more talkative than usual, taking part in risky or promiscuous behavior, suffering from racing thoughts or ideas and needing little sleep.
In some cases, it is possible to cycle between the two episodes rapidly or to just suffer from an episode of mania. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary if the person is suffering from hallucinations or delusions, otherwise known as psychotic features of manic depression.
