Different Types of Depression

The term "depression" covers a group of mental, or mood disorders that may be similar in characteristics, but may actually may affect each person differently. Educating yourself on the different types of depression, signs, and symptoms can help you or a loved one get help as quickly as possible.

Symptoms of depression:

• Easily agitated


• Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss


• Concentration difficulties


• Flat affect - No facial expressions


• Extreme fatigue


• Feeling hopeless and helpless


• Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt


• Withdrawal from life's daily activities that were previously enjoyed


• Thoughts of death or suicide


• Insomnia


• Sleeping too much


• Loss of sex drive

What are the different types of depression?

Types of depression include:

Major Depression: Also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression. It is characterized by long periods of feeling sad and hopeless, and is usually severe. Signs of major depression include:

Dysthymia: Is a mild to moderate form of chronic depression lasting two years or more. It may also be periodically accompanied by major depressive episodes from time to time.

Bipolar Depression:

Bipolar depression: Is characterized by mood swings of profound mania to deep depression. The manic episode can last from hours to months, followed by periods of major depression. Manic Symptoms include:

• Grandiose and inflated sense of self-esteem and feelings of invincibility


• Reduced need for sleep


• Extremely talkative and very rapid speech


• Racing thoughts


• Increased physical activity, can't be still, and heightened need to set goals and take action


• Impulsive


• Thrill seeking with reckless sexuality, overspending, or irrational schemes with no regard to consequences

Atypical Depression: Is most common in women and is marked by overeating, sleeping a lot, panic attacks, and overly sensitive emotions.

Psychotic Depression: Is considered severe, marked by the person hearing voices, having visions that are not real, but is real to the person experiencing this type of depression. In addition to this, the person has episodes of delusional thinking.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Is a cyclical depression related to the changing seasons, usually occurring in the winter. It is thought to be connected to the reduction of light during this time of the year. The person with this type of depression exhibits no symptoms during any other time.

Prevention:

It is possible to avoid and prevent some episodes of depression by:

• Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and caffeine


• Exercising regularly


• Learning how to relax and manage stress


• Maintaining good sleep habits


• Counseling may help you through times of grief, stress, or low mood. Family therapy may be particularly important for teens who feel blue.

Try volunteering or getting involved in group activities to help prevent episodes of depression.

Medications and psychiatric counseling can help in managing the illness of depression. However, not all episodes of depression can be prevented. If your symptoms appear to get worse, please contact your physician for help. Don't let any worsening of symptoms go unheeded.

by Barb Hicks RN