Different Types of Depression

Identifying Different Types of Depression

Feeling down every once in a while is normal, but feeling sad so often to the point where it affects your life can indicate a more serious problem. Clinical depression is a condition that can be treated with medication, therapy, and positive changes to your lifestyle. But exactly what are the different types of depression, and how do they affect those that suffer from them? Many individuals struggle with depression and can maintain a healthy and happy life with the right kind of care. As a Florida luxury drug and alcohol rehab that offers mental health care, we want to share more information about the different types of depressive disorders and their symptoms.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that negatively impacts a person’s mood, thoughts, and actions. All the different types of depression can cause symptoms of sadness and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. While this condition focuses primarily on a person’s mood, it can also lead to serious physical and behavioral problems. Many people who do not receive mental health treatment for illnesses like depression end up turning to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse or self-harm to cope. Seaside Palm Beach offers depression recovery treatment and other forms of mental health care that can help patients learn how to enjoy life and develop healthy coping skills.

What Are the Different Types of Depression and Symptoms?

Receiving an accurate mental health diagnosis is important. If you suspect that you’re struggling with a formal mental health disorder, the first step is always to talk to your doctor. They may refer you to a mental health specialist that can offer an accurate diagnosis of the type of depression you have. Below are 9 different types of depression disorders and their symptoms.

Major Depressive Disorder

Patients are diagnosed with major depressive disorder when they experience five or more of the symptoms below on most days, for two weeks, or longer:

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, talk to a doctor right away. Otherwise, the escalation of symptoms may occur and result in the sufferer attempting something irreversible in search of relief.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression, or depressive psychosis, refers to phases during major depression in which a person loses touch with reality. Psychosis can include hallucinations and delusions.

The most common symptoms of psychotic depression include:

Delusions can also occur during psychosis, which refers to holding onto a belief that’s false and makes no sense. Psychotic depression symptoms can be debilitating and may warrant professional help to prevent any harm from taking place. Antidepressant medicine, antipsychotic medication, and psychotherapy are frequently used in the treatment of psychotic depression. In serious situations, hospitalization can be required.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder refers to depression that lasts for two years or longer. The term is used to describe dysthymia and chronic major depression.

Some common symptoms of persistent depressive disorder include:

The severity of symptoms can fluctuate, and some people may have episodes of major depression before or while they have this disorder. This is otherwise known as double depression.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is characterized by periods of mania or hypomania, which is when you feel extremely happy with random periods of depression. Manic depression is an older name for bipolar disorder. A person will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder if they experience an episode of mania that lasts longer than seven days.

Some common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

A person who is experiencing a manic phase may show signs like:

These manic episodes can cause hallucinations and delusions in severe cases. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that can include mixed episodes of mania and depression. These symptoms can worsen over time if the individual fails to receive bipolar disorder treatment.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression refers to major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. People with this condition may feel depressed during the winter season. Symptoms of SAD may begin in the fall and persist throughout winter. Some of these symptoms include:

Symptoms of seasonal depression usually last throughout the winter season and improve when spring begins.

Postpartum (Peripartum) Depression

Postpartum depression is also referred to as peripartum depression or perinatal depression. However, postpartum depression refers to a form of major depression that occurs after birth, while perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy. It usually occurs during pregnancy or within four weeks after childbirth. These forms of depression are usually the result of fluctuations in hormonal balance. The lack of sleep and discomfort that many new mothers experience also doesn’t help.

Some common symptoms of perinatal depression include:

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD symptoms tend to be more psychological compared to PMS symptoms. For example, while a woman with PMS may feel more emotional during the days leading up to her menstrual cycle, a woman with PMDD may experience a level of depression and sadness that disrupts their daily functions.

Some common symptoms of PMDD include:

Like perinatal depression, PMDD is also linked to hormonal changes. Its symptoms usually begin after ovulation and subside when the menstrual cycle begins.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a form of depression that temporarily goes away when something positive happens. Despite its name, atypical depression isn’t rare or “atypical.” It’s also not any worse or any less severe than other types of depression disorders. Having atypical depression can be challenging because the individual may not always “seem” depressed to others. This could make it difficult for their loved ones to understand their condition.

Common symptoms of atypical depression include:

“Situational” Depression

Situational depression, or adjustment disorder, is a form of depression that results from different events or situations. Some of these situations may include:

While it’s normal to feel sad or anxious during these kinds of situations, situational depression occurs when these feelings affect your day-to-day life more than the event itself.

The symptoms of situational depression can begin within three months of the event and may include:

Living With Depression: It Doesn’t Have to Control You

Although dealing with depression can be extremely difficult, it’s crucial to realize that it doesn’t have to rule your life. The ups and downs of depression can be managed and navigated with the appropriate support, coping mechanisms, and treatment.

Some strategies to take back control of your life so your depression no longer controls you are:

If you suspect that you or a loved one has any of the types of depression discussed above, see a doctor. A doctor will refer you to a specialist who can diagnose your condition. Doctors also usually encourage mental health care in the form of therapy. Our luxury rehab offers various forms of mental health treatment in Palm Beach that can help patients cope with the symptoms of mental illnesses like depression.

If you or someone you know is battling a substance use disorder or mental illness, call our high-end rehab now at 561-677-9374 to learn more about our luxury addiction treatment programs and mental health services.

Related Readings:

Stages of Addiction

Finding Purpose in Your Recovery

Hard Drugs vs. Soft Drugs

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