What Can Clinical Depression Look Like? Symptoms And Considerations

For many people, sadness or grief can be associated with loss, relationship troubles, or stress. However, sadness is different from a depressive disorder or clinical depression diagnosis. Several types of depressive disorders can fall under the label of clinical depression. However, the term "clinical depression" is often used to describe major depressive disorder (MDD). 

Understanding the differences between depressive disorders and possible symptoms of clinical depression can encourage those who live with it to seek resources for support and validate their lived experience. It can also prevent misdiagnosis and stigma associated with mental health conditions. 

Clinical depression vs. depressive disorders 

The symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe and can be acute or chronic. Below are comparisons of the several types of depressive disorders in the DSM-5. 

Major depressive disorder (clinical depression) 

Clinical depression is often another term for major depression (major depressive disorder), a type of depression that can be characterized as intense, long-lasting depressed mood and disruptive symptoms. Clinicians can use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to review the criteria for diagnosing someone with clinical depression symptoms.

According to the DSM-5, symptoms of major depressive disorder must be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis. However, everyone's individual experience can vary. Speaking with a clinician can help you understand how to manage and live alongside your experience. Understanding possible variations between clinical depression compared to other mental disorders may also help you find resources. 

Persistent depressive disorder

Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder can be associated with mild to moderate depression-related symptoms lasting at least two years or more. Persistent depressive disorder can cause symptoms that may align with a major depression diagnosis and can vary in severity. Clients living with this condition may experience periods of intense manifestations along with periods of less severe symptoms. 

Postpartum depression

After someone gives birth, their body may go through hormonal changes. The fluctuation in hormone levels can create depressive disorder-related symptoms or anxiety in some people. The symptoms can become disruptive in the lives of gestational and non-gestational parents and can be caused or worsened by various environmental factors. 

Major depressive disorder with psychotic features 

Major depression can sometimes be accompanied by psychosis. This phenomenon can be known as psychotic depression. Psychosis symptoms associated with this condition can sometimes have a theme, such as delusions of poverty, illness, or guilt. 

Some people with psychotic depression can have fixed beliefs or hallucinations, where they may hear or see stimuli that others can't. For some, this symptom can occur in addition to the other symptoms that may align with clinical depression, such as prolonged and intense periods of sadness and potentially life-disrupting limitations. 

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, can mimic the symptoms associated with clinical depression. However, this type of depressive disorder generally is exclusive to seasonal changes to darker and colder seasons. 

Experiences with seasonal affective disorder can occur in spring and summer seasons as well. The timing of the depressive disorder-related symptom offset can generally support a clinician's determination between a SAD diagnosis and a clinical depression diagnosis. Those who feel sad during specific times of the year might consider speaking with a therapist.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder can be a bit different than clinical depression because it can be mixed with periods of euphoria. The depression part of bipolar disorder generally meets the DSM-5 criteria for clinical depression, which can be called bipolar depression. 

However, in some cases, differentiating factors for some living with this diagnosis and someone living with depression include something extreme and variating called mania, or hypomania.

Symptoms of clinical depression

People with clinical depression may have symptoms that can disrupt the traditional function of their personal and professional relationships, as well as other areas of their lives, such as at work or school. 

Anyone at any age or stage of development can experience clinical depression. 

Below are a few common manifestations and symptoms of depression. Understanding the variation that those living with depression may experience can create a more supportive and empathetic community.

• Feeling extremely sad, teary, empty, pessimistic, or hopeless
• Feeling angry, irritable, frustrated, even over small things
• Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Feeling tired or having no energy for an extended period of time
• Lack of appetite, weight loss or weight gain
• Feeling nervous and restless
• Sluggishness in thought or movements
• Self-blame, or feeling worthless
• Trouble with focus and making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Having unusual aches, pains, or digestive problems

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 and is available 24/7.

Some individuals living with clinical depression may reach a higher quality of life by using counseling services or strategic lifestyle changes. 

Some psychiatrists may also recommend adding an anti-depressant medication. If you’re considering using medication for a clinical depression diagnosis, you may benefit by seeking supervision and support from a licensed psychiatrist prior to use.

Are certain populations more at risk for clinical depression?

According to the Anxiety Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety and depression disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Around 9.5% of the population will experience a depressive illness diagnosis, according to Johns Hopkins. Understanding possible contributing factors to depressive disorders can lead to more favorable outcomes and awareness for those who are and will be living with a depressive disorder diagnosis. 

Depression may result from or be exacerbated by a variety of risk factors, including individual brain chemistry, personality, life challenges, and genetics, so a health care provider or therapist may ask about family history of depression. 

Depression may accompany other health conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of depression can also make physical conditions worse in some who live with it. 

Medications that people take to cure physical conditions may have side effects that cause or contribute to clinical depression symptoms. For complex medical and mental health conditions, you may consider working with a physician who has experience in treating complex conditions that can help you to reach a higher quality of life as you walk through your health journey.

How to treat clinical depression

 We want to note that every patient experience is personal. There may not be a single treatment for clinical depression that works for everyone. Many people who are living with clinical depression can find that it takes a bit of trial and error before they find the treatment modality that works best for them. Lifestyle changes, such as those that promote stress reduction and resiliency, can support those living with clinical depression. Additionally, supportive strategies such as therapy and medication, can be effective in mitigating the symptoms and manifestations of depressive disorder-related symptoms. 

In cases of treatment-resistant depression, a psychiatrist may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT uses electrical stimulation of the brain while a person is under the effects of anesthesia. Those with questions about ECT can speak to a psychiatrist about the potential benefits and side effects.

Counseling options for depression 

If you're experiencing the symptoms of clinical depression, it can feel overwhelming to consider leaving the house for care. You may also be experiencing physical symptoms that can limit your confidence in a new setting. These factors can pose a possible roadblock to seeking in-person services. If you relate, online therapy may be a form of support that is flexible and realistic during symptom manifestation. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may allow some individuals with depression to become more aware of unwanted thought patterns. Through talk therapy, clients can learn to explore their thoughts and understand how their depressive symptoms may be alleviated through specific coping mechanisms. 

A review of 17 studies found that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy could be more effective than face-to-face therapy in reducing depression severity. In addition, the review found that many internet-based interventions were more cost-effective for clients.