When people talk about depression, they’re usually referring to a single variety of the disorder that’s marked by extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness. However, there are actually several types of depression, all of which have unique causes, effects, and symptoms. Understanding them can help you get a proper diagnosis, and can help you understand the disease better. The eight most common types of depression are:
- Major depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Dysthymia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Psychotic Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Atypical Depression
- Antenatal and Postnatal Depression
1. Major Depression
The most common form of depression is major depression, which comes in episodes. While there are cases where a person experiences just one depressive episode, more often than not people experience multiple episodes throughout their lives. This form of depression is marked by persistent sadness, anxiety, feeling hopeless, guilty, and worthless, losing interest in hobbies and activities, fatigue, memory and concentration problems, insomnia, appetite and weight changes, and suicidal thoughts.
2. Bipolar Disorder
The major characteristic of bipolar disorder is alternating cycles of depression and mania. The depression that a person experiences during a depressive episode is very similar to the symptoms of major depression while the manic periods are marked by hyperactivity, feelings of grandeur and euphoria, impulsiveness, increased energy, and a decreased need for sleep.
3. Dysthymia
Dysthymia is similar to major depression in that the symptoms are similar and occur in episodes. But while the symptoms tend to be less severe, they can last for much longer, sometimes two or more years. People suffering from dysthymia may feel like they’re always down, and it’s not uncommon for people with this disorder to also experience a major depressive episode.
4. Seasonal Affective Disorder
While some new research has surfaced questioning the existence of SAD, it’s still estimated that this form of depression affects four to six percent of the population. The symptoms of SAD are similar to that of major depression, but the effects are thought to be caused by the lack of sunshine that occurs during the winter months in northern latitudes.
5. Psychotic Depression
This type of depression sees a combination of symptoms from major depression and psychosis, which include:
- Delusions, or holding beliefs that aren’t supported by reality
- Paranoia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
Because of the psychosis, people suffering from psychotic depression tend to be less in touch with reality, and are prone to becoming catatonic and bed-ridden.
6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
An estimated five percent of women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is essentially a form of depression caused by the menstrual cycle. The symptoms are much more severe than with premenstrual syndrome and are closer to the effects of major depression.
7. Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is by no means uncommon, but it differs from major depression in that it’s not characterized by feelings of extreme sadness. Instead, people suffering from atypical depression are much more likely to report a heaviness in their arms and legs, combined with an increased appetite, an increased need for sleep, irritability, and sensitivity to criticism.
8. Postpartum Depression
Both men and women are susceptible to postpartum depression, which is thought to be caused mainly by changing hormones after the baby is born. This type of depression is characterized by similar symptoms to major depression, along with fears about hurting the baby and a sense of disconnection from the baby.
Although many people associate depression with extreme sadness and suicide, depression actually takes many forms and has a lot of signs and symptoms. Many of the symptoms of depression are characterized by those of major depression, but the different forms of depression have different levels of severity, a unique combination of symptoms, and various causes.
If you believe you may suffer from one of these types of depression or want more information call or contact us today at 202-641-5335.
