Many people have troubled feelings following a bad experience that can affect their sleeping or eating patterns. But they usually return to normal after a while. People suffering from depression are often unable to rid themselves of the sad feelings over a period of weeks. It can have a negative impact on their normal functioning. There are different types of depression that need to be identified in order to provide the proper treatment.
Major Depression
Major depressive disorder, or major depression, may disable a person's normal functioning throughout one's daily routines. Once-pleasurable activities are no longer enjoyable, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy and poor concentration interfere with a person's ability to work, study, sleep or even eat. Some people may only experience one episode of major depression. However, others may have recurrences throughout their lives.
Dysthymia
Symptoms of dysthymia, also known as mild chronic depression, can last as long as two years or even longer. But the symptoms are not as severe as those associated with major depression. People with dysthymic disorder may find it difficult to function normally, but their feelings do not disable them in many of their activities. As with major depression, dysthymia may only occur once, but may also have recurrences throughout life.
Bipolar Disorder
Once called manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder causes people to go through periods of extreme highs and lows. The changes in moods can be quick and dramatic, according to the University of California, Berkeley, Health Services. The person may be extremely depressed and gloomy at one point, but then have days of the manic cycle in which excessive talking or energy are exhibited.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is a severe depressive illness when symptoms are accompanied by hallucinations, delusions and a withdrawal from reality.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The depression caused by SAD occurs during a change in the seasons, usually in the fall and winter. The disorder may be related to natural light. A person with fall and winter depression may become affected because of the shorter days. Symptoms may go away in the spring or summer. Some patients have been able to find relief through light therapy. As with other forms of depression, many SAD patients need to be treated with medication and psychotherapy.
Postpartum Depression
A woman may have a feeling of sadness or "the blues" after giving birth, but these symptoms usually last for a short time. A woman with postpartum depression may experience symptoms within a few weeks of delivery. This type of depression may affect 10 to 15 percent of women after experiencing birth. Their suffering can go on for a long time if not diagnosed so they can undergo treatment.
