Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness, lack of concentration, issues with eating and sleeping, fatigue, loss of pleasure and unexplained physical problems. Once a mental health professional determines someone is struggling with depression, he then has to figure out what type of depression the person has. This is determined by the intensity of the symptoms, the amount of time the person has been experiencing the symptoms, additional symptoms and coexisting events.
Major Depression
To receive this diagnosis, the person must either be experiencing feelings of sadness or a loss of pleasure for a two-week period as well as five other symptoms, such as significant weight loss or gain, trouble concentrating and insomnia. One of the main differences between major depression and milder forms of depression is suicidal ideation. Someone with major depression might be having thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide. In order to receive this diagnosis after the loss of a loved one, the person must be experiencing the symptoms for two months after the loss.
Dysthymic Disorder
Some people don't experience the severity of major depression, but they feel depressed more days than not. If the person experiences a depressed mood most days for a period of two years and have two more symptoms of depression, the person would receive this diagnosis. A child or teen needs to experience a depressed mood for one year to receive the diagnosis of dysthymic disorder. Someone would not get this diagnosis if he has had a major depressive episode or manic episode in the past.
Manic Depression
Manic depression, known as bipolar disorder by mental health professionals, is characterized by highs and lows. A person with this disorder experiences major depressive episodes, but she also experiences manic episodes. Someone who is suffering from a manic episode will have an inflated sense of self, an elevated mood or a persistent irritable mood, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts and trouble focusing. Someone experiencing a manic phase is also more likely to partake in risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving and gambling away large amounts of money.
Postpartum Depression
With this disorder, the symptoms are the same as major depression, but they occur within one month of a woman giving birth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 10 to 15 percent of women struggle with postpartum depression after having a baby. Many women who experience these symptoms feel guilty for not being happy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Someone who experiences seasonal affective disorder struggles with a depressed mood during winter months. This usually occurs because of less sunlight and the less time spent outdoors. People with this disorder can get light therapy treatment to reduce the symptoms. Some of the time, people struggling with seasonal affective disorder will also need medication, therapy or a combination of both to treat the symptoms.
