Depression is more than feeling low once in a while---clinical depression impacts the patient's life, and results in drastic mood changes, concentration and sleeping problems, irritability and thoughts of suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that there are multiple forms of depression, with major depression and dysthymic disorder being the most common forms. Other depressive disorders include seasonal affective disorder, postpartum disorder and psychotic disorder.
Major Depression
The Mayo Clinic states that major depression is defined by five or more depressive symptoms for at least two weeks. The patient can have a low mood or an irritable mood, which can be accompanied with thoughts about death. Trouble making decisions, a loss of energy and feeling worthless can also occur. The patient can also have noticeable slowed behavior. Sleep is affected, resulting in either insomnia or an increased need for sleep. The patient also loses interest in activities, and can have a significant change in weight. These symptoms must interrupt the patient's life and her ability to function. If the patient has symptoms of mania (an elevated mood or racing thoughts) with the depressive episodes, it is considered a mixed episode instead.
Dysthymic Disorder
A chronic form of depression, dysthymic disorder's significant symptom is a depressed mood that lasts for two years. In addition to the mood change, the patient must have two other symptoms for it to be considered dysthymia. The patient can have changes in appetite, problems concentrating and making decisions, hopelessness and low self-esteem. Sleeping problems can also occur, which results in fatigue and a lack of energy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Abbreviated as SAD, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs only during certain times of the year. To be considered seasonal affective disorder, the patient's depressive episodes must occur during a specific season for at least two years; for the rest of the year, he does not have any depressive symptoms. The Mayo Clinic states that seasonal affective disorder occurs during the winter months more often. Symptoms include anxiety, concentration problems, social withdrawal, hopelessness and appetite changes. A rare form of seasonal affective disorder occurs during the summer. A patient with the summer version has slightly different symptoms, which include insomnia, anxiety, increased sex drive, agitation, weight loss and poor appetite.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that mothers experience after giving birth. It is different from baby blues, which last for a few days or weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Postpartum depression can make it difficult for the mother to care for her baby and herself. She may have problems bonding with her baby and may have thoughts of harming herself or the baby. The patient can also experience social withdrawal, severe mood swings, intense anger and feelings of shame. Insomnia and a lack of interest in sex can also occur.
Psychotic Depression
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that psychotic depression is a subtype of major depression. Besides the symptoms of major depression, the patient also has a break from reality and has hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) and delusions (false beliefs).
References
- Mayo Clinic: Depression (Major Depression)--Tests and Diagnosis
- Mayo Clinic: Dysthymia (Dysthymic Disorder)--Tests and Diagnosis
- Mayo Clinic: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)--Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Postpartum Depression---Symptoms
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Major Depression with Psychotic Features
