Depression Types

Types of depression

Depression was identified as a separate entity form other psychiatric disorders. On closer examination it was found that depression was not one condition but a group of problems. The latest edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual for psychiatric disorders (DSM-IV) cites over 20 discrete manifestations of depression. This is significant, as treatment can vary depending on the type of depression and it may be necessary to seek advice as to the type of help that you need.

The different types of depression don't always have a clear boundaries and it requires professional judgment to know. The basics of some of the common types of depression are introduced here but it should not be used as an alternative to profession advice.

1. Sadness and Grief - These are normal reaction to a life event involving loss or change. This condition is described as normal because ordinarily that person adjusts and recovers after a period of mourning. The recovery time is influenced by the severity of loss. There may be some temporary physical changes to sleep patterns and thinking patterns.

2. Adjustment Disorder - It is accompanied by a depressed mood occurs because life changes and the adjustments to these changes can be difficult. In addition there is less hope in the future and you feel less able to ask for help or express your feelings with the appropriate people.

3. Dysthymia - This is a term used to describe a chronically depressed mood with the symptoms of major depressive disorder but less severe. Dysthymia may or may not have a triggering life event, and as such it can be confusing and frustrating for both the depressed people and their loved ones.

4. Major Depression - It is serious because it can lead to despair and hopelessness that result in losing interest in life, being incapable of experiencing pleasure, isolating themselves and failing to look after themselves.

5. Bi-polar Disorder or Manic Depression - This affects about 1 percent of the population. It is characterized by periods of depression, contrasted with periods of mania. Typically there are no clear triggers and treatment of the condition should be under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

6. Atypical Depression - It refers to unusual presentations of depression. For example, a person with atypical depression may appear deeply depressed, then fine for a few days, the anxious or irritable. As with other forms of depression there may be no obvious trigger to the depression.

7. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - This is a reaction to lack of sunlight. Typically, mild or major depression starts in the autumn and finishes in the spring months. The incidence of SAD increases in line with the distance from the equator.

8. Post-natal Depression (PND) - It is a condition that occurs after childbirth because of the hormonal changes effected by delivery and challenges of dealing with the new baby. two thirds of women experience temporary sadness, 10-15 percent become clinically depressed and about one women in a hundred becomes so severely depressed that she needs to be hospitalized for her own safety and the safety of her babies.

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