What Are The Five Types Of Depression?

Depression, a mental illness with various forms, may present as a major depressive episode, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, or one of several other mental health conditions. It can be challenging to manage the symptoms of depression effectively, whether they’re associated with clinical depression or another mental disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with a depressed mood, it's crucial to explore treatment options such as psychotherapy, antidepressants, or self-care techniques like exercise and mindfulness practices. A mental health specialist can diagnose your depression, while online talk therapy can assist in navigating the symptoms and dealing with depression in daily life.

Depression symptoms

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause feelings of sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and several other mental and physical symptoms. When short-term grief or sadness becomes intense and includes feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depression nos may develop, potentially leading to treatment-resistant depression. Though people in your life may colloquially say they “feel depressed,” clinical mental illness is diagnosed based on a series of symptoms. In many cases, having five or more of the following depressive symptoms for at least two weeks indicates its presence:

• Feeling tired or lacking energy most days
• Low mood
• Feeling sadness or grief most of the day, especially in the morning
• Difficulty focusing, remembering details, or making decisions
• Feeling guilty or unworthy
• Sleep problems, such as inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
• Feeling restless
• Persistent thoughts about death or suicide
• Lose interest in activities once enjoyed
• Frequent headaches or body aches and pain with no apparent cause

Brain stimulation therapies, like electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation, can be considered for depression symptoms that are treatment resistant.

Self-diagnosing based on these symptoms is not recommended. Many people might assume that depression is fake, yet it affects numerous individuals worldwide. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provide guidelines for diagnosing and treating depression. Your primary care provider or a licensed therapist can provide you with a diagnosis, and they may recommend a combination of treatments, including medication, therapy, or light therapy, to help you develop a plan to address your symptoms.

Causes

The cause of depression can be a family history of depression or other mood disorders, your environment (including stressful life events), medications, medical problems, or substance use. A combination of these factors may result in or contribute to the development of clinical depression. For example, genetic contributors may combine with changes in circadian rhythm and other sleep disruptions to cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you suspect (or confirm) that someone you love is living with symptoms of depression, it may be prudent to look up how to help someone who is experiencing

Kinds of depression

Major depressive disorder

Individuals who have major depressive disorder, also called clinical depression or major depression tend to experience a loss of interest in activities, even a positive event that they may have previously enjoyed. Other major depressive disorder symptoms may include trouble sleeping, decreased or increased appetite, weight changes, loss of energy, despair, and feelings of worthlessness. In addition, thoughts of death or suicidal ideation are common symptoms of major depression. Major depression may be diagnosed with one of several subtypes, including melancholic, catatonic, or atypical depression. As with many forms of mental illness, major depressive disorder is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

Formerly called “dysthymia”, persistent depressive disorder describes persistent or ongoing symptoms of depression that often last for two or more years. The symptoms of persistent depressive disorder are typically longer lasting but less intense than symptoms of major depressive disorder. Many people experiencing symptoms of persistent depressive disorder feel as though they can handle daily activities, but they may benefit from seeking professional help to reduce persistent symptoms of depression.

Bipolar disorder

Sometimes referred to as "bipolar affective disorder”, bipolar disorder can present with phases of mania, hypomania, and major depressive episodes that typically last two or more weeks. During depressive episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms like those of major depressive disorder. However, unlike with major depression, certain antidepressant medications may not be recommended for bipolar disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

As the name suggests, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by seasonally depressive episodes, which are particularly common during the winter months. As a seasonally recurring mental health condition, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are the same as major depressive disorder symptoms, including low energy, sadness, sleeping difficulties, weight change, and suicidal thoughts. The APA recommends individuals with seasonal affective disorder spend extra time outside to get more sunlight during winter months, eat a healthy diet, socialize, stay active, and be treated by a licensed therapist.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder affecting people after the birth of a child. Though commonly associated with mothers,anyone, regardless of gender, can experience postpartum depression. Some people may be at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression, including those with a history of:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Economic instability
• Limited social support from a partner, family, or friends.

How common is depression in your life? Do you believe you can beat it without help? Online counseling for depression and medications are commonly used to help address symptoms of postpartum depression.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Marked by severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) typically begins one to two weeks before the onset of an individual’s period. This condition is characterized by fluctuations in mood, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, irritability, and trouble focusing. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder can also cause serious physical challenges, including bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and sleep disruptions. 

What type of depression do I have and what can be done?

While there are many resources for information about depression online, you can only receive a diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional in person. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, you can make an appointment with your primary care provider for an initial evaluation.

Your provider may recommend counseling or therapy. They may also formulate a treatment plan for depression that includes regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help manage your symptoms. Many types of depression therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can be helpful tools to understand your feelings and develop strategies to manage your condition.

Online therapy

A 2021 peer-reviewed study of 6,132 adults found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective way to manage depression and anxiety symptoms. Online therapy from platforms like BetterHelp provides therapy that you can schedule from the comfort of your own home, and it may be more affordable than in-person therapy.