Types of Depression Disorders
Bipolar, Cyclothymia, Postpartum and Major Depressive Episodes
Sep 12, 2009
Clinical depression is often referred to as if it were a single disorder. Mental health professionals recognize several types of depression, including postpartum depression, bipolar depression, cyclothymia and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mental disorders in the depression “family” may share similar symptoms and treatment options, but each depressive disorder has its own unique characteristics.
Major Depressive Disorder
When most people think of depression symptoms they’re thinking of a major depressive episode. Major depressive disorder or simply “major depression” is a debilitating health condition characterized by long-term feelings of sadness, worthlessness and both mental and physical weariness. Symptoms of a major depression are disabling, severely impairing quality of life and productivity while also affecting mood, sleep patterns, appetite and general well-being.
A major depression can be a single event (known as a major depressive episode) that affects a person once and never returns. More commonly, people with major depressive disorder suffer from recurring depression symptoms throughout life.
Adjustment Disorder
An adjustment disorder occurs when an identifiable stressor or life-changing event triggers a mental disorder. The death of a loved one, a divorce, physical trauma or similarly life-altering events can trigger an adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorders are sometimes referred to as situational depressions if the disorder manifests with depression symptoms. Behavioral problems, conduct disorders, and anxiety disorders can also be adjustment disorders.
Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)
Bipolar disorder is better known to the public by the older term manic depression, although both terms are now widely used. As the name suggests, bipolar disorder occurs when periods of intense mania are followed by depressive symptoms. Mania includes feelings of euphoria and grandiose thinking, often accompanied by abnormally high energy levels and a reduced need for sleep. In its own way, a severe manic episode is just as disabling as a major depressive episode.
Bipolar disorder is one of the better known types of depression, but is not as common as either major depression or dysthymia.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a type of bipolar disorder with less severe symptoms. Episodes of mania and depression tend to be shorter and less obvious than those seen in bipolar disorder, although symptoms can be distressing and disabling. Episodes of mania and depression are often less clearly defined in cyclothymia, and it is possible for a person with cyclothymia to experience symptoms of mania and depression simultaneously (a dangerous combination if increased energy is combined with suicidal thoughts).
Dysthymia (Dysthymic Disorder)
Dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder) causes symptoms similar to a major depression. Dysthymia symptoms are less debilitating than major depressive disorder symptoms, but can endure for years without proper treatment. A person with dysthymia can still function in daily life, although at an impaired level.
A person can suffer from both dysthymia and major depressive disorder. It’s not unusual for dysthymic disorder symptoms to periodically “flare up,” increasing in intensity to become major depression symptoms. People living with dysthymia often experience one or more major depressive episodes throughout their lifetime.
Postpartum Depression
Hormonal changes and imbalances are thought to be causes of depression. In the weeks following childbirth a woman’s hormone levels change rapidly. Many women experience the “baby blues” at this time—a period of sadness and emotional sensitivity in the weeks after birth.
Most cases of the baby blues clear up without any need for treatment. In some cases, however, the baby blues develop into postpartum depression, a major depressive episode beginning within a month of giving birth.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression occurs when a depressed individual experiences psychotic events such as hallucinations or delusions. A psychotic event occurs when the individual cannot differentiate between reality and mental disturbances. Psychotic depression is an uncommon type of depression.
Schizoaffective Behavior
Schizoaffective disorder occurs when a person with schizophrenia is also diagnosed with depression or some other mood disorder. As schizophrenia symptoms include psychotic behavior, schizoaffective behavior has much in common with psychotic depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, describes recurring depressive episodes during the winter months. SAD is thought to be related to the reduction in daylight hours during the winter and the corresponding reduction in exposure to natural sunlight.
People who suffer from seasonal affective disorder find SAD symptoms worsen as fall gives way to winter. SAD symptoms diminish as winter turns into spring, and usually disappear for the summer before returning in the fall.
While different types of depression may stem from different sources and require specialized treatment, all depression disorders have one thing in common: seeking appropriate treatment is the best way to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Resources
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (Retrieved 31 August, 2009). Depression (Major Depression)
National Institute of Mental Health. (Retrieved 31 August, 2009). Depression
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
 |
