Depression is a term that encompasses an assortment of depressive disorders and comes in many forms that are characterized by such things as intensity and duration of the symptoms and the specific cause the depressive symptom. Although all forms of depression share certain traits, they affect each person's life differently. Understanding the different types of depression could help people find the appropriate help they may need.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression or major depression, occurs when a person experiences long-term periods of severe depression. Symptoms can include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, restlessness and irritability, insomnia or sleeping too much, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, lack of motivation, feeling no sense of pleasure, fatigue and suicidal ideations.
Dysthymia
The word dysthymia stems from a Greek word meaning bad state of mind, and the American Psychiatric Association describes dysthymia as a mild depressed state of mind that is ongoing and chronic and can last for as long as two years. Because dysthymia symptoms tend to be not as severe as in major depression, people who have dysthymia seem to be able to function somewhat in the short run; however in the long term, their symptoms are chronic, and can affect their work and relationships.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, once referred to as manic depression, can be summed up in one phrase: high highs and low lows. The Mayo Clinic states that bipolar disorder is about mood extremes. Manic phases include excited moods, irritability, speed talking, fast-changing thoughts and ideas, and feelings of euphoria. The other extreme involves severe depression. Hallucinations and delusions can also occur with bipolar disorder.
Other Types of Depression
The Diagnostic and the Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) lists seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as one of the depressive disorders. SAD is a depression that occurs as a cyclical and seasonal condition. Some people refer to it as the winter blues because the onset typically occurs early winter and the condition dissipates during sunnier periods, such as spring or summer. Situational depression is precipitated by a specific event such as a death, accident or a loss. It can create a depressed mood with symptoms lasting for three to six months.
References
- Depression Help Resource
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV); American Psychiatric Publishing; 2000
