Types of Depression

There are quite a lot of various types of depression. Two of the most usual types are the major depression which is also called major depressive disorder and the other one is the dysthymic disorder. Other kinds of depression will include manic depression which is termed also as bipolar disorder, postpartum depression as well as seasonal affective disorder or SAD for short.

Major depression is an assortment of symptoms which will interfere with the ability of a person to cope with daily living. This is also known as clinical depression and this is what a lot of people think about when the issue of depression will come up. The symptoms of major depression are extremely severe and sufferers will find it virtually impossible to even rise from bed in the morning.

Dysthymia is a kind of depression that will last for two years or even more, however, this has quite milder symptoms compared to major depression. Sometimes, this is referred to as chronic depression. It will not disable to a greater extent than that of major depression, yet, this will prevent the people affected from functioning normally or be able to work at their best. Additionally, those who are affected with dysthymic disorder will also suffer from episodes of major depression.

Certain symptoms of dysthymic disorder are difficulty in sleeping either sleeping is excessive or very little, no energy or feeling of fatigue, feeling of desperation, low self-esteem and having difficult time to make decisions or to concentrate.

Since dysthymia is milder and can only involve some symptoms, this will most likely become undiagnosed and left untreated. The symptoms of dysthymia are likely to be more enduring and are further resistant to the treatment.

Manic depression or bipolar disorder is described with cycles of mania and depression. Mania is termed as the periods of excitement, overactivity, delusions as well as intense responses.  This can also include violence. Normally, the manic episodes will for at least a week. In addition, this will include increased self-esteem, fewer amount of time needed for sleeping and too much movement. Individuals in the midst of mania can be involved in dangerous but gratifying behavior. These people will tend to be distracted easily and turn out to be more talkative than normal. In some instances, the symptoms are extremely severe that hospitalization will be necessary in order to prevent harm for themselves and for others.

PPD or postpartum depression can occur in new mothers several months after they have given birth. This is more serious and extreme in comparison to the normal “baby blues” which usually happen during the first weeks following delivery. PPD is believed to be a result of hormonal changes, however, this is more likely to take place in tough situations such as low partner support, a colicky baby or with a history of depression.

SAD or otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder is another kind of depression. This is associated with seasonal changes which will usually occur during the fall or winter season. The cause of SAD is not yet fully understood, yet, it could be related to the changes in the amount of sunlight that is available. The lack of sunlight can affect the sleep rhythms or the chemical balance in the brain.

Every so often, it will be difficult to tell, what exactly is the variation between seasonal affective disorder and depression. For some people, light therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment, however, for other people they will be required to take antidepressant medications.

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References :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-types