Types of depression

Major depressive disorder has two subtypes: "atypical depression" and "melancholic depression." People who fall into the former category tend to sleep and eat a lot. They are emotionally reactive and very anxious, Dr. Noble explained. Those in the latter category have trouble sleeping and tend to ruminate over guilt-ridden thoughts, Dr. Noble added. Young adults tend to present with atypical depression, and the melancholic type is seen more often in older adults. Subsyndromal Depression A person who has depressive symptoms but doesn't quite check all the boxes for a diagnosis of major depression may be deemed "subsyndromal." In other words, they may have an other specified depressive disorder, as indicated by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). For example, the person might have less than five symptoms or experienced depression for less than the two-week minimum. Scientists believe these people may have an abnormal sensitivity to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. Taking antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in the two weeks before their period or throughout the month can be very effective, Dr. Sit said. Certain types of contraception and pain relievers may help with symptoms too. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Screaming and temper tantrums can be features of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a type of depression diagnosed in children wh...

Depressed mood is a significant feature of other mental health conditions besides major depression. Many experts recognize four major types of depression: major depressive disorder, the depression of bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and a low-grade, chronic depression known as dysthymia. Because of the array of symptoms, their timing, the multiplicity of causes, and the involvement of other body systems in depression, there are many lenses through which clinicians and researchers look at, classify, and treat the disorder. Some experts believe that the clearest way of understanding depression is through its effects on metabolism—essentially whether it causes weight gain or loss, either way involving fundamental changes in the way body cells utilize glucose, the brain’s primary energy source. How depression is understood and classified is not just a matter of academic interest—it influences the approach to treatment and especially the search for new therapies for this often-treatment-resistant disorder. Postpartum depression, also known as p However, research shows that, 50 percent of the time, the mood shifts and anxiety that characterize postpartum depression actually begin during pregnancy; for that reason the condition is also sometimes called peripartum depression. Of the 3 to 6 percent of women who develop postpartum depression, a small number experience psychotic symptoms, such as command hallucinations ordering them to kill the baby. By contrast, up to 80 per...

Ongoing mood, cognitive changes may require professional help Depression is not only hard to endure, it is also a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. "Depressive symptoms can occur in adults for many reasons. If you are experiencing mood or cognitive changes that last for more than a few weeks, it's a good idea to bring this up with your doctor or consult a mental health specialist to help sort out possible causes," says Dr. Nancy Donovan, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The four most common types of depression are major depression, persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia), bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Major depression . The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are usually pleasurable. Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. For some people with severe depression that isn't alleviated with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective. Persistent depressive disorder . Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression refers to low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity of major depression. Many people with this type of depression typ...

Hi, I'm Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a clinical psychologist at Mayo Clinic. And I'm here to talk with you about depression. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself, a friend, or loved one, understanding the basics of depression can help you take the next step. What is depression? Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness that won't go away. Unfortunately, there's a lot of stigma around depression. Depression isn't a weakness or a character flaw. It's not about being in a bad mood, and people who experience depression can't just snap out of it. Depression is a common, serious, and treatable condition. If you're experiencing depression, you're not alone. It honestly affects people of all ages and races and biological sexes, income levels and educational backgrounds. Approximately one in six people will experience a major depressive episode at some point in their lifetime, while up to 16 million adults each year suffer from clinical depression. There are many types of symptoms that make up depression. Emotionally, you may feel sad or down or irritable or even apathetic. Physically, the body really slows down. You feel tired. Your sleep is often disrupted. It's really hard to get yourself motivated. Your thinking also changes. It can just be hard to concentrate. Your thoughts tend to be much more negative. You can be really hard on yourself, feel hopeless and helpless about things. And even in some cases, have thoughts of not wanting to live. Behaviorally, y...

There are many different Whatever the cause, your first step is to let your doctor know how you're feeling. They may refer you to a mental health specialist to help figure out the type of Major Depression You may hear your doctor call this "major depressive disorder." You might have this type if you feel depressed most of the time for most days of the week. Some other symptoms you might have are: • Loss of interest or pleasure in your activities • Weight loss or gain • Trouble getting to sleep or feeling sleepy during the day • Feeling restless and agitated, or else very sluggish and slowed down physically or mentally • Being tired and without energy • Feeling worthless or guilty • Trouble concentrating or making decisions • Thoughts of suicide Your doctor might diagnose you with major depression if you have five or more of these symptoms on most days for 2 weeks or longer. At least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities. Major depression looks differently in different people. Depending on how your depression makes you feel, it could be: Anxious distress. You feel tense and restless most days. You have trouble concentrating because you’re worried that something awful could happen, and you feel like you might lose control of yourself. Melancholy. You feel intensely sad and lose interest in the activities you used to enjoy. You feel bad even when good things happen. You might also: • Feel particularly down in the mornings • Lose weight...

There are several types of depression, each with specific causes, symptoms, and timelines. Whatever type you have, help is available. The type of depression you’re diagnosed with will depend on your specific symptoms, when they arise, and how long they last. No matter the type of depression you have, depression looks different from person to person. But all types have symptoms that can affect your daily life, relationships, and work or school life. With all the Many times, when people say they have depression, it’s • a consistently low mood • • decreased interest in activities • • guilt • agitation • changes in appetite • • According to the You also need to experience a depressed mood or low interest in activities that negatively affect your social and work life. Your doctor will need to rule out other types of depression, or periods of If you’re living with or believe you have MDD, you’re not alone. An estimated Originally believed to be a To be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, you need to experience at least 2 symptoms of depression for at least Because of its persistence, and sometimes less severe symptoms, some people consider PDD “ About Many people with PDD feel like this is just “how they are,” but you can always benefit from speaking with a doctor about how you’re feeling. They can help you find a treatment plan and care that helps you feel better. While many people who menstruate will have In order for a doctor to diagnose PMDD, you’ll have According...

Ongoing mood, cognitive changes may require professional help Depression is not only hard to endure, it is also a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. "Depressive symptoms can occur in adults for many reasons. If you are experiencing mood or cognitive changes that last for more than a few weeks, it's a good idea to bring this up with your doctor or consult a mental health specialist to help sort out possible causes," says Dr. Nancy Donovan, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The four most common types of depression are major depression, persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia), bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Major depression . The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are usually pleasurable. Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. For some people with severe depression that isn't alleviated with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective. Persistent depressive disorder . Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression refers to low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity of major depression. Many people with this type of depression typ...

Depressed mood is a significant feature of other mental health conditions besides major depression. Many experts recognize four major types of depression: major depressive disorder, the depression of bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and a low-grade, chronic depression known as dysthymia. Because of the array of symptoms, their timing, the multiplicity of causes, and the involvement of other body systems in depression, there are many lenses through which clinicians and researchers look at, classify, and treat the disorder. Some experts believe that the clearest way of understanding depression is through its effects on metabolism—essentially whether it causes weight gain or loss, either way involving fundamental changes in the way body cells utilize glucose, the brain’s primary energy source. How depression is understood and classified is not just a matter of academic interest—it influences the approach to treatment and especially the search for new therapies for this often-treatment-resistant disorder. Postpartum depression, also known as p However, research shows that, 50 percent of the time, the mood shifts and anxiety that characterize postpartum depression actually begin during pregnancy; for that reason the condition is also sometimes called peripartum depression. Of the 3 to 6 percent of women who develop postpartum depression, a small number experience psychotic symptoms, such as command hallucinations ordering them to kill the baby. By contrast, up to 80 per...

There are many different Whatever the cause, your first step is to let your doctor know how you're feeling. They may refer you to a mental health specialist to help figure out the type of Major Depression You may hear your doctor call this "major depressive disorder." You might have this type if you feel depressed most of the time for most days of the week. Some other symptoms you might have are: • Loss of interest or pleasure in your activities • Weight loss or gain • Trouble getting to sleep or feeling sleepy during the day • Feeling restless and agitated, or else very sluggish and slowed down physically or mentally • Being tired and without energy • Feeling worthless or guilty • Trouble concentrating or making decisions • Thoughts of suicide Your doctor might diagnose you with major depression if you have five or more of these symptoms on most days for 2 weeks or longer. At least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities. Major depression looks differently in different people. Depending on how your depression makes you feel, it could be: Anxious distress. You feel tense and restless most days. You have trouble concentrating because you’re worried that something awful could happen, and you feel like you might lose control of yourself. Melancholy. You feel intensely sad and lose interest in the activities you used to enjoy. You feel bad even when good things happen. You might also: • Feel particularly down in the mornings • Lose weight...

Major depressive disorder has two subtypes: "atypical depression" and "melancholic depression." People who fall into the former category tend to sleep and eat a lot. They are emotionally reactive and very anxious, Dr. Noble explained. Those in the latter category have trouble sleeping and tend to ruminate over guilt-ridden thoughts, Dr. Noble added. Young adults tend to present with atypical depression, and the melancholic type is seen more often in older adults. Subsyndromal Depression A person who has depressive symptoms but doesn't quite check all the boxes for a diagnosis of major depression may be deemed "subsyndromal." In other words, they may have an other specified depressive disorder, as indicated by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). For example, the person might have less than five symptoms or experienced depression for less than the two-week minimum. Scientists believe these people may have an abnormal sensitivity to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. Taking antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in the two weeks before their period or throughout the month can be very effective, Dr. Sit said. Certain types of contraception and pain relievers may help with symptoms too. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Screaming and temper tantrums can be features of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a type of depression diagnosed in children wh...