Types of Depression
Depression is very complex and cannot be summed up in one term because every person’s kind of depression is slightly different. The most major types of depression fall into four unique ‘models’ of depression - Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic Depression (Dysthymia), Atypical Depression, and Manic Depression (Bipolar Depression).
Major Depressive Disorder is the type of depression most commonly referred to. Remember, this is hugely different from feeling sad or hopeless occasionally. It is normal to feel sad, especially after a traumatic event. However, when this interferes with everyday life, it starts to become a problem. While Major Depressive Disorder may only occur for short periods of time, it can be both physically and mentally disabling. People who are afflicted by chronic major depressive disorder often have recurring episodes of this depression.
Chronic Depression or dysthymia is characterized by episodes of depressed mood lasting two years or longer. There are many similar traits between this and Major Depressive Disorder, however, it is not as severe. Similarly, a person can experience multiple episodes of dysthymia in their lifetime. Dysthymia is also very crippling due to its long-term effects. If someone you know reports a low quality of life for a long period of time, such as weeks or months, it is very likely that they have dysthymia.
Unlike “typical” depression, atypical depression is signified by overeating, oversleeping, fatigue, and sensitivity. While this is not as common, keep an eye out for these unusual symptoms - these too can easily slip by as "feeling hungry" or "not getting enough sleep". Though not as commandeering as the other two, this can also become a serious problem and may recur.
Bipolar or manic depression are not commonly seen under the depression section, but are no less serious. Most commonly known as bipolar disorder, it is a disorder that alternates between clinical depression (major depressive) and mania. The disorder is split into two types, bipolar II is the type that relates mostly to clinical depression, as patients often experience an episode of major depression and one hypomanic episode. While mood swings happen time to time with everyone, alternating between extreme depression and hyperactivity is definitely a big warning sign.
Depression is very complex and cannot be summed up in one term because every person’s kind of depression is slightly different. The most major types of depression fall into four unique ‘models’ of depression - Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic Depression (Dysthymia), Atypical Depression, and Manic Depression (Bipolar Depression).
Major Depressive Disorder is the type of depression most commonly referred to. Remember, this is hugely different from feeling sad or hopeless occasionally. It is normal to feel sad, especially after a traumatic event. However, when this interferes with everyday life, it starts to become a problem. While Major Depressive Disorder may only occur for short periods of time, it can be both physically and mentally disabling. People who are afflicted by chronic major depressive disorder often have recurring episodes of this depression.
Chronic Depression or dysthymia is characterized by episodes of depressed mood lasting two years or longer. There are many similar traits between this and Major Depressive Disorder, however, it is not as severe. Similarly, a person can experience multiple episodes of dysthymia in their lifetime. Dysthymia is also very crippling due to its long-term effects. If someone you know reports a low quality of life for a long period of time, such as weeks or months, it is very likely that they have dysthymia.
Unlike “typical” depression, atypical depression is signified by overeating, oversleeping, fatigue, and sensitivity. While this is not as common, keep an eye out for these unusual symptoms - these too can easily slip by as "feeling hungry" or "not getting enough sleep". Though not as commandeering as the other two, this can also become a serious problem and may recur.
Bipolar or manic depression are not commonly seen under the depression section, but are no less serious. Most commonly known as bipolar disorder, it is a disorder that alternates between clinical depression (major depressive) and mania. The disorder is split into two types, bipolar II is the type that relates mostly to clinical depression, as patients often experience an episode of major depression and one hypomanic episode. While mood swings happen time to time with everyone, alternating between extreme depression and hyperactivity is definitely a big warning sign.