Depression is a psychiatric disorder that generally leads to feelings of sadness, physical isolation and disinterest. According to the Mayo Clinic, alterations in the chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine play a role in causing your mood changes. Also, genetics and major life changes such as death of a loved one and job stress can cause depression. Numerous types of depression exist.
Major Depression
According to the Mayo Clinic, major depression is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. Symptoms of this type of depression include hopelessness, sadness, crying spells, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness. You may also experience trouble sleeping, difficulty making decisions, decreased libido (sex drive) and unexplained headaches or back pain. Your doctor can prescribe antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine to balance the neurotransmitters in your brain to subsequently elevate your mood. He can also refer you to a psychotherapist for talk-therapy sessions. Other treatment options include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a type of treatment that involves provoking seizures to get rid of your depression.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, unlike major depression, typically begins after the birth of your baby. According to MedlinePlus, this depression usually occurs four weeks after delivery. Symptoms of postpartum depression include anxiety, restlessness and tearfulness. It can also lead to negative thoughts toward your baby, difficulty sleeping, suicide and death. Antidepressant medications such as paroxetine, sertraline and nortriptyline can help treat postpartum depression.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a type of mental illness that involves extreme fluctuations in mood. One day, you may be depressed and the next day you may be euphoric. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of bipolar disorder include restlessness, insomnia, rapid speech, impulsiveness and participating in destructive behaviors such as gambling and promiscuity. Other bipolar disorder symptoms include sadness, worry, fatigue, suicidal thoughts or behaviors and irritability. Mood stabilizing medications such as lithium and antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine can treat bipolar disorder. As with major depression, psychotherapy and antidepressants can also treat bipolar disorder.
Other Types of Depression
According to Depression-Help-resources.com, some other types of depression disorders include dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder and situational depression. Symptoms of dysthymia include constant depression for at least two years with at least two of the following symptoms: hopelessness, low self-esteem, fatigue, appetite changes and trouble sleeping. Seasonal affective disorder refers to a depression that occurs with changes in season. For example, you are more apt to develop depression during the winter and fall. Situational disorder is a type of depression that occurs as a reaction to extreme stress. Each may be treated with antidepressants and talk-therapy.
