Three main types of depression
Different types of depression are distinguished by characteristic symptoms, duration and features. A common criterion for Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder and Bipolar Disorder is cause of their symptoms. In case of these disorders, depressive symptoms are caused by severe stress. These types of depression are not caused by drugs or a medical condition.
Bipolar Disorder also known as Manic Depression features periods of depression and mania. These states can change each other very quickly, as well as depressive episodes can be absent. Manic episodes characterized by irritable mood can last a week or more. There are also such signs as decreased need for sleep, inflated self-importance, racing ideas or thoughts, excessive movement. A person also can be more talkative than usually, easily distracted and her or his behaviour can be potentially risky, as well as sexual behaviour can be uncontrolled.
Dysthymic Disorder is characterized by difficulty sleeping, oversleeping, problems with appetite or increase in eating, lack of energy, low self-esteem, fatigue, problems with concentration, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
These types of depression are considered to have less severe symptoms than Major Depressive Disorder, though they can be rather severe. In this case the patient should be hospitalized to harm nobody.
Major Depressive Disorder has symptoms similar to those ones of above mentioned types of depression. Its depressive episodes last for the most part of the day during two weeks or more. Its symptoms are difficulty sleeping, oversleeping, significant weight changes (loss or gain), increased appetite, lack of energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, problems with making decisions and difficulty concentrating, slowing down or excessive movement, thoughts of suicide or death. As all types of depression, Major Depressive Disorder has its characteristic symptoms. They are depressed mood and loss of interest in most activities.
Other Types of Depression
There are different types of depression. They are Seasonal Affective Disorder, Atypical Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Anxiety Depression, Double Depression, Chronic Depression, Situational Depression, Endogenous Depression, Agitated Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Catatonia, Melancholic Depression, etc.
In case of Seasonal Affective Disorder or Seasonal Depression episodes of Major Depressive Disorder reoccur mainly in winter or autumn.
Atypical Depression is classified as a sub-type of Major Depressive Disorder. The patient’s mood can be improved temporally, when some positive events happen. As in case of other types of depression, the patient can experience significant changes in weight (loss or gain), oversleeping, increased appetite, feel heaviness in arm or legs.
Postpartum Depression and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder refer to those types of depression that pertain to women. In case of Postpartum Depression, symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder last mainly for four weeks after the woman gave birth.
Anxiety Depression does not refer to official types of depression, but people suffering from mental disorders often experience it.
People suffering from Double Depression often experience symptoms of Dysthymia and episodes of Major Depressive Disorder.
Situational Depression also was mentioned among types of depression. It develops in case of specific stressful events. Different types of depression feature different duration. Situational Depressive Disorder can last maximum six months after the stressful event has happened.
Endogenous Depression is classified as depression without apparent reasons. Agitated Depression is characterized by emotional and physical restlessness, insomnia, agitation and irritability.
Different types of depression need different treatment. So, suspecting you suffer from some type of depressive disorder, seek professional medical help in order your treatment to be effective.