Emerging Research On The Six Forms Of Depression: Takeaways And Support Options
New research from the Stanford School of Medicine has found potential differences in the brains of people with depression that may offer insights into the biological differences associated with depressive disorders. Although this is a new study that has not yet been replicated or confirmed, it can be seen as a breakthrough in psychological science. Understanding this research and the symptoms of various depressive disorders can be a step toward healing, even when experiencing treatment-resistant depression. If you’re living with depression, therapy with a licensed mental health professional can be beneficial.
Are there six types of depression?
A 2024 study in psychiatry and behavioral sciences by Stanford Medicine noted six distinct “types” of depression based on different brain activity in people diagnosed with the condition. This study led to the conclusion that professionals may someday be able to diagnose depression using brain scans.
Although this study is the only one of its kind so far, researchers are hopeful that it may lead to more effective treatment for depression. It’s possible that, with additional research, professionals may gain an understanding of which antidepressants or treatments could be most effective for each type of depression based on machine learning and brain activity scans.
The Stanford Medicine depression study
Some participants received antidepressant treatments and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to see if these methods effectively treated their depression symptoms.
The researchers found six different brain patterns in those with depression. They noticed that some types seemed to respond more effectively to therapy, such as those whose problem-solving abilities were impacted by depression symptoms.
Meanwhile, those with lower activity in the attention centers and cognitive regions of the brain seemed to be less likely to respond to therapy.
This research may also shed light on how treatment-resistant depression can be more common when specific brain differences are present.
Previous research suggests that heritability rates for depression are between 40% and 50%. The exact cause of depression has not been identified, but there may be a biological basis for the development of the condition in some people. By targeting specific areas of brain function, treatment providers may someday be able to offer more personalized mental health care for people with depression.
DSM-5 depressive disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) does not list six different biological types of depression but does include various depressive disorders that can be diagnosed based on symptom presentation. Below are some of these disorders and their symptoms.
Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD), sometimes referred to as major depression, tends to be the most common depressive disorder and is often what people are referring to when they talk about “depression.” This condition is typically diagnosed when depressive symptoms persist most days of the week for two weeks and cause functional difficulties in a person’s social, professional, and personal life. Depression symptoms can include the following:
- A prolonged low mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal
- A lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty with self-care and daily tasks
- A lack of motivation
- Hopelessness
- Thoughts of worthlessness
- Low self-esteem
- Irritability
- Substance use or misuse
- Apathy or numbness
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
The six types of depression in the study may be referring to six different presentations of MDD, although this specification is not made.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder generally refers to depression symptoms that occur about one week before one’s menstrual period and cause cognitive and emotional difficulties. This condition normally involves symptoms similar to those associated with MDD, but they typically only occur for several days leading up to menstruation. Some people continue to experience symptoms during their periods as well. PMDD can involve suicidal thoughts and extreme mood swings.
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a depressive disorder that usually occurs when a change in weather significantly impacts an individual’s mood. Often, SAD arises during the fall and winter or when the sky is cloudy and dark. A lack of vitamin D or light might prompt this condition. SAD is often effectively treated using options like light boxes.
Prolonged depressive disorder
Prolonged depressive disorder (PDD) typically involves persistent, mild to moderate symptoms of depression that occur most days for over two years. There may be periods when depressive symptoms subside for a couple of weeks, but the symptoms are largely consistent and may not respond well to traditional treatment options.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) normally occurs during the postpartum period after a child’s birth. Depressive symptoms can be severe and may impact the bond between a parent and child. This type of depression can occur in parents of any gender, as well as a gestational parent’s partner. Individuals who have adopted a baby or had a child via a surrogate may also experience PPD.
Situational depression and other depressive disorders
Situational depression can occur when a situation like a move or a new marriage leads to depressive symptoms. Other forms of depression, like other specific depressive disorder (OSDD), can also occur when an individual’s symptoms don’t fit the criteria for other types of depression in the DSM-5.
Could this research change the way depression is diagnosed?
Stanford Medicine's research could change how depression is diagnosed. The DSM-5 and ICD-11 are the most current diagnostic manuals. However, the DSM-5 was published in May of 2013, and research over the past decade has influenced the field of psychology.
In the future, it is possible that depression could be diagnosed with fMRI scans. However, more research is recommended to replicate and confirm the results found in the recent study. Further labeling of depressive types may be explored in the future. Keeping up to date on depression studies and current research may be the most effective way to access additional insights as they become available.
Treatment options for treatment-resistant depression
Treatment-resistant depression generally refers to depression symptoms that don’t respond to typical methods of treatment, like medication and therapy. In some cases, treatment may worsen depression symptoms.
The research by Stanford Medicine suggests that treatment-resistant depression might be more common with certain depression types. This could lead to an understanding of who may be at risk of developing this type and who could thus benefit from different or more intensive forms of treatment.
The most common options for treatment-resistant depression include the following:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): During TMS, clients are connected to electrodes and magnetic stimulation machines that pass a small current through the brain. TMS may be effective in treating depression that doesn’t respond to other methods, but it can be expensive and may not be covered by standard insurance plans.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is a procedure normally performed under anesthesia that passes an electrical current through the brain. This procedure has often been criticized but appears to show promise in treating severe depression and is generally considered safe.
Is depression treatable if it is biological?
Depression that results from chemical imbalances, brain biology contributing to brain differences, and genetics can be highly treatable. Often, a combination of prescription medication and therapy is recommended to treat depressive disorders.
Common therapeutic modalities used include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). However, there are dozens of therapeutic modalities, so you may have a higher chance of finding one that works for you by consulting multiple therapists before choosing an approach. Options like TMS and ECT (discussed above) may also be available for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. This content provides generalized information that is not specific to any one individual. Always speak to your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping the way you take medication or approach treatment.
Other depression management options
Depression can also be managed at home alongside professional treatment. Lifestyle changes may be effective in supporting your mood at home. Below are a few options that may reduce depressive symptoms:
- Exercise: Exercise usually releases endorphins that can boost mood, and regular exercise can improve overall health and wellness.
- Nutrition: Eating nutritious meals may improve mood. Talk to a registered dietician about which meals might be best for you.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation may increase the size of the hippocampus and improve mood. In some cases, regular practice may decrease depressive symptoms.
- Nature: Spending time outdoors may improve your mood and give you time to reflect, practice gratitude, and breathe deeply.
Self-care is not usually seen as a treatment for depression on its own, but it’s often effective alongside professional support.
Finding a therapist
Depression can be challenging to cope with alone. Talking to a therapist may enable you to develop a treatment plan and cope with daily life challenges. However, some people may avoid seeking in-person therapy due to depression symptoms like a lack of motivation. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be a convenient alternative.
Online talk therapy can be accessed from your home or anywhere with an internet connection, meaning you don’t necessarily have to get ready or leave the house to see a therapist. In addition, you can access other resources like group sessions, journaling prompts, worksheets, goal-tracking, and webinars, which can help you through challenging moments.
Studies suggest that online depression treatment may be more effective than in-person therapy for some people. In a 2018 study, online cognitive behavioral therapy appeared to significantly reduce symptoms and enhance participants' quality of life.
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