5 Most Common Types of Depression
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Introduction
While everyone experiences sadness from time to time, if it happens on a daily basis for more than two weeks, it might indicate severe depression.
Major depression is defined as a prolonged time of melancholy, irritation, or poor motivation that is accompanied by additional symptoms that last at least two weeks and have a detrimental impact on one’s life.
Depression is not an indication of immaturity or a deficiency in character. Instead, it is a diagnosable and curable medical condition.
People who fall victim to addiction and substance abuse are often diagnosed as clinically depressed, which is why the rehabs arrange for dual-diagnosis when they encounter such patients.
First of All, What Is Depression?
Depression is a prevalent condition that affects people’s moods.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, over 17.7 million individuals in the United States experienced at least one severe depressive episode in 2018.
According to the World Health Organization, it affects 264 million people worldwide and is the greatest cause of disability.
Clinical depression entails more than being sad over a loved one’s death, being in a foul mood, or being unhappy about a broken relationship. It can lead people to lose sleep, quit eating, or lose their jobs if left untreated.
Depression can make it difficult for persons with chronic disorders to care for themselves.
Types of Depression
People who are depressed have a hard time concentrating and making decisions. As a result, they may quit doing things they used to like, and they may stop spending time with their loved ones. In extreme circumstances, depression can lead to homicide or suicide, which can be lethal.
Postpartum Depression
Within two weeks of giving delivery, many women experience minor anxiety and despair. Women with postpartum depression, on the other hand, exhibit symptoms of severe depressive disorder that linger for up to a year following delivery.
A mother’s ability to care for her child is hampered due to this. In addition to the symptoms of clinical depression, postpartum depression can make it difficult for women to bond with their children and make them consider harming themselves and their children.
Dysthymia
The symptoms of persistent depressive disorder are similar to those of major depressive disorder, but they endure for at least two years.
People with severe depressive illness may go through periods of depression, but those with dysthymia have symptoms that last for years. Dysthymia bouts are usually less severe, but they continue longer.
Early-onset depression is defined as a persistent depressive condition that begins before the age of 21.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is characterized by significant depressive symptoms and psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations.
In roughly 14 to 20% of persons with severe depressive illness, psychotic depression develops.
These people may believe they are needy, guilty, or suffering from a terrible illness. They hear voices telling them they are useless or should hurt themselves, which are examples of hallucinations.
Bipolar Disorder
Manic-depressive sickness, or manic depression, was originally a term used to describe bipolar disorder. Bipolar illness patients might have mood swings that range from extreme highs to extreme lows.
Although this illness is not the same as depression, persons with it might suffer lows that resemble severe depression.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, bipolar illness affects around 2.8% of individuals in the United States, with an average beginning age of 25.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a kind of depression that arises during the winter months with less sunshine. Symptoms usually disappear in the spring and summer.
Between 5 and 10% of Americans suffer from SAD.
For someone to be diagnosed with SAD, they must suffer seasonal depression for at least two years. During the winter months, patients with SAD may experience weight gain, overeating, and carb cravings in addition to the regular symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests itself in different ways for different people. The illness manifests itself in a variety of mental and physical symptoms. The duration of these symptoms varies from person to person. They are:
- Less energy.
- Appetite changes.
- Hopelessness.
- Irritation.
- Less interest in activities.
- Sleeping pattern changes.
- Brain structure changes.
The degree and symptoms of depression are influenced by the type of depression a person suffers.
Clinical depression symptoms can strike anyone at any age, but the average age of start is 32 and a half years old.
Other medical diseases may exhibit symptoms that are comparable to depression. Thyroid issues, vitamin deficits, and brain tumors are among them. It’s critical to speak with a doctor to rule out any of these illnesses.
If a person has several of these symptoms on a daily basis for at least two weeks, they may be depressed and should seek medical attention.
Depression symptoms, if left untreated, can have a significant influence on a person’s activities, relationships, and profession.
Causes of Depression
Depression is caused by a mix of biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological variables. A severe depressive episode can be triggered by various causes, including a crisis, family history, or drug addiction. However, some people may get it without any apparent cause.
- In persons with depression, there may be a chemical imbalance in areas of the brain that control mood, thinking, sleep, food, and behavior.
- Some occurrences impact how your body reacts to fear and stress.
- Changes in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone at various stages of life, such as the menstrual cycle, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause, can increase a person’s risk of depression.
- If your frontal lobe is less active, you’re more likely to get depression. However, scientists are not sure if it occurs before or after the beginning of depression symptoms.
- If you have people in your family who have been living with depression or other mental health issues, you will most likely be depressed too.
- Parkinson’s disease, chronic sickness, chronic pain, sleeplessness, heart attack, stroke, and cancer are among illnesses that can increase your risk.
Treatment of Depression
Depression can be a short-term problem or a long-term one. Unfortunately, treatment does not always result in complete recovery from depression.
Treatment, on the other hand, can frequently make symptoms more bearable. Therefore, finding the correct combination of drugs and therapy to treat depression symptoms is crucial.
Speak with your healthcare provider if one therapy does not work. They can assist you in developing an alternative treatment plan that may be more effective in helping you in managing your illness.
Healthline: Types of Depression and How to Recognize Them
VerywellMind: 7 Common Types of Depression
Beyond Blue: Types of depression
