World Health Tips

Several types of depression exist. Depressed (or irritable) mood or a loss of interest in pleasurable activities is characteristic of all types, and all types have to cause impairment in functioning. There are some differences in symptom presentation, however, and depression treatment approaches may vary somewhat. The different types of depression include the following:

• Major depressive disorder
• Dysthymic disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Bipolar depression
• Depressive disorder not otherwise specified

In major depression, qualifiers can be added to the diagnosis, such as “atypical”, “melancholic”, or “post-partum onset”. Such qualifiers describe a specific pattern of symptom presentation. For example, increased appetite, rejection sensitivity, and a sensation of heaviness of the limbs characterize an atypical major depressive episode.

Melancholic depression is most associated with sleep and appetite loss and psychomotor retardation. It is characterized by a phenomenon known as a diurnal variation of mood - feeling much worse in the morning with some improvement in mood by evening.

Major depression and dysthymic disorder are the most common forms of depression. Dysthymic disorder is more chronic with persistent sadness nearly daily for at least 2 years. In seasonal affective disorder, the depression symptoms are the same as in major depression but occur exclusively within one season (usually the winter).

Bipolar depression is the depressed phase of a condition called bipolar disorder. In many cases, the symptom presentation of depression does not fit the criteria as described in the DSM-IV-TR. Symptoms, however, may be causing impairment in functioning. The diagnosis of depressive disorder not otherwise specified can be used in those cases. Although the type of depression informs as to prognosis and best treatment modality, in general, all types respond to both medication therapy and talk therapy.

Caroline is a retired registered nurse with over 25 years of health care experience and is the host of All Depression Resources, a Free Depression Resources that discuss various aspects of depression in a matter-of-fact way, and provide questions that patients and their families can refer to as invaluable resources to learn about depression and how it may have an effect on those they love.

Tags: depression, depression articles, depression types

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