Types of Depression

When someone says they are depressed or has been diagnosed with depression, it is essential to remember there are numerous types of depression and depressive disorders. Each depressive mental health disorder can negatively impact a person’s ability to function when left untreated.

 

Major Depression: 

Major depression is also known as clinical depression. This type involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms may include fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or weight, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

 

Persistent Depressive Disorder: 

This type of depression persists for a longer period, usually two years or more. It is characterized by chronic low mood and a general lack of motivation. Symptoms are similar to major depression but tend to be less severe and intense.

 

Bipolar Disorder: 

Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings that alternate between manic episodes, with elevated moods and high energy, and depressive episodes with low energy. Common signs include impulsivity, snap decision-making, and increased risk-taking during manic phases, with depression symptoms similar to major depression during depressive episodes.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): 

SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, normally in the winter, from a lack of sunlight. Symptoms may include fatigue, excessive sleeping, overeating as a coping mechanism, weight gain, unexplained sadness, and social withdrawal.

 

Psychotic Depression: 

In addition to the typical symptoms of major depression, including low mood and a loss of interest in activities, psychotic depression also involves hallucinations or delusions.

 

Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression: 

Peripartum depression can occur during or after childbirth due to hormonal changes and stressors associated with parenting. This type of depression is often similar to major depressive disorder. Signs may include feelings of inadequacy as a parent, difficulty bonding with the baby, extreme sadness, and worthlessness.

 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): 

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that leads to intense mood swings before menstruation begins each month.

 

Situational Depression: 

This type of depression is triggered by specific life events such as loss or trauma. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the situation. However, common ones include feeling sorrow, grief, sadness, guilt, withdrawal from others, avoiding social situations, and self-isolating.

 

Atypical Depression:

Atypical depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by distinct symptoms that differ from typical depression. Individuals with atypical depression may experience temporary improvements in mood in response to positive events or situations.

Other symptoms can include increased appetite and weight gain, excessive sleeping, extreme sensitivity to rejection, and a general sense of heaviness, weakness, or paralysis-like sensations in their extremities.

 

Treatment-Resistant Depression 

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a type of major depressive disorder that does not respond well to standard treatments. This condition can be challenging for individuals, requiring a more comprehensive approach and potentially more intensive interventions.

Signs and symptoms of TRD are similar to those of other depression types but persist despite treatment interventions and can include:

 

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that do not improve with treatment
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Irritability or agitation 
• Lack of motivation
• Inability to engage in daily tasks