Depression Types

These are terms that are mainly used by psychologists to plan treatment-the exact diagnosis is unlikely to seem all that relevant to the average person. One thing to notice, though, is that not all of the symptoms of depression are necessary to make a diagnosis of some type of depression. If depression is significantly interfering with your life, you should see a psychologist even if you don't have all of the symptoms of a major depression. Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet 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.

Types of Depression

Major Depression
Dysthymia
Bipolar disorder
Reactive depression

Major Depression

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetimeIn major depression, most of the symptoms of depression are present. This is the most severe category of depression. Single episode depression occurs when an individual has an episode of major depression that responds to treatment and does not recur. Recurrent depression occurs when an individual has periods of depression. In between these periods of depression, the person may go years before being depressed again.

Dysthymia

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Bipolar disorder

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. 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. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state

Reactive depression

Reactive depression (also called adjustment disorder with depressed mood) is mild or moderate depression in response to a trauma (for example, breaking up a relationship). In general, the symptoms can be treated within six months.

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