Different Types of Depression

Some of the various types of depression include:

• Major Depression
• Dysthymia
• Postpartum Depression (Baby Blues)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Atypical Depression
• Psychotic Depression
• Situational Depression

Major Depression is one of the most common types of depression, with symptoms of hopelessness, extreme sadness, irritability, lethargy, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, lack of concentration, changes in eating and sleep patterns, chronic physical pain, and recurring dark thoughts of suicide. Usually when at least five of these symptoms last for more than two weeks, a diagnosis of major depression (or clinical depression) is made.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can be described as an extreme winter weariness. You feel depressed most of the time, gain weight, and have no interest in social activities during winter months. But SAD is more than just some funk, and symptoms include fatigue during the day, heightened anxiety, and irritability. These symptoms tend to set in at the start of winter and subside when spring rolls around.

Despite the implications of its name, Atypical Depression is another common type of depression and one that mental health professionals believe to be underdiagnosed. The main symptoms of this form of depression are a kind of paralysis presenting as heaviness in the arms and legs that tends to occur when oversleeping or overeating – also significant signs of atypical depression. People with this type of depression will experience weight gain, increased irritability, oversensitivity to rejection, and relationship problems.

Psychosis is a mental state marked by hallucinations and delusions. Psychotic Depression occurs in some people with very severe depression, where they experience false sights, sounds, delusions, and may even become catatonic in some cases.

Situational Depression is considered a temporary form of depression brought on by stressful events, like the death of a loved one, losing your job, a bad breakup, or trauma. Symptoms include anxiety and excessive sadness that usually clear up over time. In some cases however, these symptoms could become worse and develop into major depression.

To receive adequate depression treatment, it’s essential that you speak to your doctor about your unique experience to make a proper diagnosis.