Types Of Depression
Types of Depression
Just like other illnesses, such as heart disease, depression comes in different forms. This booklet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types, there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.
Major depression (or major depressive disorder) is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptoms list below) that interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. A major depressive episode may occur only once; but more commonly, several episodes may occur in a lifetime. Chronic major depression may require a person to continue treatment indefinitely.
A less severe type of depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder), involves long lasting, chronic symptoms that do not seriously disable, but keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
Another type of depressive illness is bipolar disorder (or manic depressive illness). Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression), often with periods of normal mood in between. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but usually they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, over talkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees and unsafe sex. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.
Although available therapies alleviate symptoms in over 80 percent of those treated, less than half of people with depression get the help they need.
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Clinical and Manic Depression Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, and ...
Learn depression signs, treatment, symptoms, diagnosis, medications, causes, statistics, facts and ... Depression. Medical Author: Peter J. Panzarino Jr., MD, FAPA Previous Medical Editor: Leslie J.
NIMH: Depression
Reducing the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Depression
Alternative names Return to top. Blues; Discouragement; Gloom; Mood changes; Sadness; Melancholy. Definition Return to top. Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable ...
WebMD Depression Health Center - Find depression information and ...
An estimated 19 million American adults are living with major depression. Here you'll find in-depth ... Depression Overview. From symptoms to treatment options, find in-depth news and information to ...
NIMH: Depression
National Institute of Mental Health presents a comprehensive series of articles on symptoms and management. Includes booklets of personal accounts and descriptions of related disorders.
Other Depression Article Snippets:
Where To Get Help
"Parents and children should work with their health care provider to determine the best and most appropriate treatment."
Herbal Therapy
"It is important to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work, though side effects may appear before antidepressant activity does."
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects
"Following remission of symptoms, continuation treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy for at least several months may be recommended by the psychiatrist, given the high risk of relapse and recurrence of depression."
Herbal Therapy Against Depression
"If a child's depression has been caused wholly or in part by psychological factors, medication may relieve the depression, but the underlying cause will not be "cured" by medication alone."