Doctors define depression as intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness that interfere with the performance of daily tasks. Many types of depression exist, including major depression, psychotic depression, dysthymic depression, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder. Depression often co-exists—either occurring prior to or as a result of—with other diseases, classifying them as depression-related diseases.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, usually begins in the teens or early adulthood with at least half of all cases starting before the age of 25, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder, classified as a brain disorder, causes unusual changes in moods, energy and activity levels and affects the ability to perform daily tasks. Those with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania, which is an abnormally elated mental state, followed by episodes of depression. Other symptoms of bipolar disorder include hallucinations, delusions and behavior problems.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder—ADHD—describes a chronic condition characterized by inattention and hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Signs of this disorder, including failing to pay attention, inability to listen when spoken to directly, difficulty following directions, organization problems and being easily distracted and forgetful, usually appear by the age of 7, according to MayoClinic.com. Although ADHD does not cause other psychological or developmental problems, those with ADHD often develop depression due to the struggles and frustrations of dealing with the disorder.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder, an anxiety disorder, causes unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear, as described by the National Institutes of Mental Health. The physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and abdominal distress. A study published by J.M. Gorman in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reports that about 50 percent of patients with panic disorder experience at least one episode of major depression during their lives.
Self-Mutilation Disorder
Self-mutilation disorder describes a condition in which patients exhibit a preoccupation with physically harming themselves. Self-mutilation can stand alone as a diagnosis, known as repetitive self-harm syndrome, or it can occur in association with other disorders such as borderline personality disorder or mood disorders that include depression, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety or panic disorders.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder, a psychiatric disorder that affects between 1 and 12 percent of the United States population, develops following a perceived life-threatening experience. PTSD causes intrusive recollections, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability and difficulty sleeping. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that up to 80 percent of patients with PTSD also experience other psychological disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse, panic disorder and bipolar disorder.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- MayoClinic.com: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- National Institutes of Mental Health: Panic Disorder
- Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: Comorbidity of Depression and Panic Disorder
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Primary Care Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
