12 Types of Depression

1) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER or CLINICAL DEPRESSION Most common form of the disorder. 16 million or more adults have suffered at least one episode. Doctors look for at least five symptoms that affect how you feel, think and behave to make a diagnosis. They include loss of interest in activities, sadness, sleeplessness, trouble making decisions, sleepiness, difficult concentrating and suicidal thoughts or actions. 2) PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER You may have Persistent Depressive Disorder if you have been feeling down for at least 2 years. The doctor may call it dysthmia or dysthmic disorder. Seems to affect more women than men. Also, kids and teens can have it. If they have this, it makes them more irritable than depressed. Symptoms need to last only a year to make a diagnosis. 3) BIPOLAR DISORDER or MANIC DEPRESSION Emotional highs(mania) and lows(depression). These swings affect how you feel, your behavior and judgement. Can cause problems with relationships, work and day-to-day life. Common with bipolar disorder are suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 4) SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER With SAD, the symptoms are the same as depression. But happen only during the fall and winter, when there is less daylight. In America, 5% of adults save SAD. Light therapy or medication can quickly ease symptoms. When spring arrives, people can improve on their own. 5) PSYCHOTIC DEPRESSION Severe type of depression. Symptoms include delusions and hallucinations. You may be unable to relax and be agitated. Thinking clearly or more normally may slow down. A short hospital stay is usually required with psychotic depression. 6) POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION After their baby's birth, most moms feel a little blue. You could have postpartum depression if those feelings are severe. Symptoms can happen a few weeks after the baby's birth or up to a year later. Common symptoms are difficulty bonding with baby, mood swings, behavioral fears about your mothering and changes in thoughts. See your doctor if you feel it is more than the baby blues. 7) PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER The cramping and moodiness of Premenstrual Syndrome affect many women. You may have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder if you have severe PMS that affects your job and relationships. 7 to 10 days before your period the symptoms start. They go away a few days after your period starts. See your doctor if you think you have PMDD. Treatment can include antidepressants, oral contraceptives and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. 8) ADJUSTMENT DISORDER You may have Adjustment Disorder is it's difficult to move forward. This disorder causes depression, anxiety or both. These may also be called "situational symptoms". They start within 3 months of a stressful event. 6 months later they are usually gone. Depending on the cause, they can last longer. Talk therapy is usually the treatment for it. 9) ATYPICAL DEPRESSION You feel sad and empty with most forms of depression. You may have Atypical depression if your depression lifts briefly after good news or a positive experience. Its symptoms are a little different, but it is not rare. You may have a bigger appetite, be especially sensitive to criticism, sleep 10 or more hours a day and get a heavy feeling in your arms and legs. These and along with the temporary mood lift. 10) TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION Today's treatments for most people work well to help you get your life back on track. Some people need a little more help. About 1/3 of people with depression. Why some people respond well to treatment while others don't are being looked at by doctors. There may be success for a little while with their treatment, then it will stop working. You should see a doctor even if your depression is tougher to treat. 11) SUBSYNDROMAL DEPRESSION It means you have some symptoms of a disorder, not enough for a diagnosis. You have at least two symptoms, but fewer than the five that are necessary for your doctor to diagnosis major depression. Your symptoms must affect your quality of life for at least two weeks to get a diagnosis of this type of depression. 12) DISRUPTIVE MOOD DYSREGULATION DISORDER Children with this disorder are usually irritable and have outbursts well beyond what's expected. Kids were previously diagnosed with Pediatric Bipolar Disorder, but their symptoms did not always fit.