Types of Depression

The key question concerning depression is about difference, why do some people get depressed while others do not? There is an increasing consensus about etiology, the genetic/ biological theories and links between these influences and social factors that cause depression.

Along with differences in symptoms and causes of depression, there is also a lot of speculation about types of depression. It has been noticed that everyone does not suffer from the same type of depression. It might vary in intensity, the time period for which it lasts and the symptoms and reactions an individual suffers from.

Types of Depression

There are several types of depression that are given below:

Reactive (Mild to Moderate) Depression

It occurs as a direct response to stressful event or events—such as death of a loved one, loss of job, divorce, diagnosis of a serious illness or relocating for work. People with reactive depression usually have two to four classic symptoms. It lasts no longer than six months.

Severe (Major) Depression

It is a serious condition that can lead to an inability to function, or even suicide if left untreated. People suffering from major depression have at least five symptoms. The disorder can last from several months to several years if it is not treated. It also has a tendency to recur, although medication and therapy can ward off or minimize new episodes.

Like reactive depression, severe depression can be set off by a stressful event. Heredity can also playa role as can gender; women are almost twice as likely as men to have major depression.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a less severe but usually more chronic depressive illness. Patients typically experience persistent sad mood, plus at least two other symptoms of depression for two years or longer. They often experience brief periods of happiness and normality during their depression.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mild form of depression that occurs during the late fall and winter, when sunlight is at a minimum. Studies show that light therapy—exposure to intense light emitted by special ‘light boxes’ for up to two hours a day – can effectively treat symptoms.

Light therapy should be used only under a doctor’s supervision as misuse can result in skin damage and cataracts.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Roughly 10 % of new moms experience this form of depression, which usually begins two or three weeks after the birth and can last more than a year if it is left untreated.

Postpartum Psychosis (PPP)

This is an extremely dangerous condition that requires immediate medical care and, usually, hospitalization. It affects 1 in 1,000 women during the month after giving birth and can last over a year if it is left untreated.

Symptoms can include hallucinations and delusions that command the mother to harm herself or her baby.

Bipolar Disorder

Everyone has highs and lows, ups and downs, good days and bad days. Mood changes are normal. However, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are extreme. Doctors identify bipolar disorder as a mood disorder. People who have bipolar disorder experience extreme changes in mood, energy and behavior. They alternate, or switch, between two opposite emotions. (Bi means "two" and polar means "opposite.")

Their mood repeatedly alternates from extremely happy, or high, to sad and hopeless. In between the extremes, their mood might be calm. People with bipolar disorder cannot control their mood changes and suffer from consequent problems.

Major Symptoms of Depression

There are various symptoms of depression that are experienced by the people suffering from depression. Some of these symptoms are:

• Change in appetite
• Changes or disturbance in sleeping patterns
• Ongoing sad, worried, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness and gloom.
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities.
• Decreased energy, or feeling of being tired or slowed down.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
• Restlessness or irritability.
• Ongoing physical pain not caused by an illness or injury.
• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.

It is quiet possible that an individual suffering from depression might not experience all these symptoms. These symptoms vary according to the type and intensity of depression. However, no matter what symptoms are experienced or to what extent they last, medical care is necessary in such cases.