Depression is a serious condition that may become disabling if untreated. There are several forms of depression, including unipolar and bipolar depression, chronic or recurrent depression, depression occurring as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, and seasonal depression. If you think you might be suffering from any of the conditions described below, contact a qualified health care practitioner.
Unipolar Major Depression
Unipolar depression, or major depression, is characterized by depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities for most of the day, every day for at least two weeks. It may also cause feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness, persistent sadness or emptiness, irritability or restlessness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, physical symptoms such as stomach pains, joint pains or body aches and thoughts of suicide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Although some people may have one depressive episode in their lifetimes, others may have recurrent episodes. Those with severe depression can sometimes develop psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations--perceiving things that are not actually there--and delusions, or false beliefs.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia, or dysthymic disorder, is a chronic form of depression. Whereas a major depressive episode need only last for two weeks to warrant diagnosis, dysthymic disorder is characterized by depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, hopelessness, difficulties concentrating and making decisions and changes in appetite are consistent with major depression. However, anhedonia--loss of the ability to feel pleasure--and psychomotor symptoms such as lethargy or agitation are not required for a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder as they are with major depression, according to Harvard Medical School.
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes severe shifts in mood, energy and behavior. In addition to manic episodes characterized by overexcitement and heightened energy, bipolar disorder may also be characterized by one or more depressive episodes, or periods of intense sadness and hopelessness. Depressive symptoms may sometimes occur at the same time as manic symptoms (called a mixed state). Like unipolar depression, bipolar depression (or mania) may also be accompanied by psychotic symptoms. For example, someone suffering from severe bipolar depression may believe she is running from a crime or is homeless and penniless, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Postpartum Depression
Many women may experience the "baby blues" in the few days or weeks after childbirth--characterized by mood swings, tearfulness, changes in appetite and sleep habits and feelings of sadness or being overwhelmed--but some women develop a more chronic and severe form known as postpartum depression. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, postpartum depression may begin during the first year after childbirth. In addition to the traditional symptoms of major depression, women may also have thoughts of hurting the baby or feel as though they want nothing to do with the infant. Rarely, postpartum psychosis can occur, causing the mother to develop hallucinations, feel confused or make attempts to hurt her child. If you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms of depression following childbirth, contact a qualified health care provider promptly.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a particular time of the year--usually during the fall and winter. According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD may occur as a result of disruptions in your biological clock due to dramatic changes in the number of daylight hours, or because of disruptions in the amount of serotonin (a neurotransmitter related to mood) and melatonin (a hormone related to sleep and mood) in your body. Symptoms may be mild at the start of the season and worsen as the season progresses. Common symptoms include sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, social withdrawal, appetite changes, oversleeping, weight gain and loss of energy.
