Types of Depression and Depressive Disorders
Depression sometimes serves as an umbrella for various symptoms and symptom durations. It can be a little daunting to receive a diagnosis without understanding the specifics. To better understand ourselves and the world around us, it can be valuable to take a closer look at the types of depression and depressive disorder. Keep in mind that this is just a basic overview, for detailed information regarding a specific diagnosis it is advised to consult your therapist, psychiatrist, or the DSM-5.
Major Depressive Disorder
You might be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder if you experience five or more of these symptoms, most days of the week (with a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities being one of them). These symptoms must be present for two weeks or longer to fall in this category. The symptoms are:
Significant weight gain, or weight loss unrelated to other medical conditions
Feelings of irritability, restlessness, and agitation, or reversely, feeling sluggish and ‘slow’ mentally or physically.
Loss of interest in activities that usually bring pleasure
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling very sleepy during the day
Feeling lethargic and fatigued
Feeling worthless, shameful, or guilty
Trouble with concentration and decision-making
Thoughts of suicide and self-harm
Major Depression can present differently in each individual, with some barely being able to function, and others being high-functioning - which could sometimes be overlooked because of their high productivity.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
If you’ve been suffering from depressive symptoms for two or more years, you could be diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder, also previously known as a combination of dysthymia and chronic major depression. It might sometimes present as a ‘lower grade’ depression but the feelings and challenge of dealing with the symptoms don’t subside.
Bipolar Disorder
Someone suffering from Bipolar Disorder experiences periods of elevated moods known as hypomania or mania (in severe cases individuals might also experience hallucinations and delusions known as psychosis) followed by episodes of major depression. These periods can be highly disruptive to their everyday functioning and influence their sense of reality. Many cases will require hospitalization for specialized treatment.
Postpartum Depression
Although many mothers might experience symptoms of depression following their pregnancy and birth of a child - it is defined as Postpartum Depression when it persists for longer than a few weeks after childbirth. Men can also experience depression during the peripartum period. PPD also affects the relationship between the parent/s with the baby and is more than just ‘baby blues’ caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and post childbirth. Apart from common symptoms of depression, the individual could also experience a feeling of detachment from the baby, difficulty bonding with the baby, or thoughts of hurting the baby or themselves.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This is a mood disorder that has a seasonal pattern where depression, weight gain, and sleepiness is experienced during the winter months, but symptoms dissipate when spring comes around. It is theorized that SAD could be triggered by a disturbance in the individual’s circadian rhythm and there has been success in treating it with light therapy. It is also found to be more prevalent in areas further from the equator.
As mentioned above, depression comes in many ‘forms and shapes’ and is rarely a straightforward experience without other determining factors and comorbid diagnoses.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with information and would like to schedule a session to discuss your case and more specifics relating to depression, feel free to contact Sunpoint Wellness for a counseling session with one of our therapists. Our practice in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is Highmark and Blue Shield insurance accepted and we also take pride in serving the LGBTQ+ community.
