A Closer Look at the Different Types of Depression

Depression manifests in various forms, influenced by a combination of factors such as the types of symptoms and their duration, underlying causes, and co-occurring mental health conditions. 

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Below are detailed descriptions of some commonly observed types of depression:

Clinical or Major Depression 

This is what most people think of when they hear “depression.” This is characterized by persistent low mood, hopelessness, or numbness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, etc. that last for at least two weeks. 

This type of depression creates notable difficulties in daily functioning and can bring up recurrent thoughts of death. 

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Also known as Dysthymia, individuals with this experience low mood for 2 or more years, lasting most of the day and on most days than not. While individuals might be able to function in their day-to-day lives, they might experience a range of symptoms associated with typical depression like loss of interest in activities, hopelessness, changes in sleep and diet, etc. 

What sets PDD apart is that symptoms may be less severe but more long-lasting in nature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This is a type of depression that typically occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. People with SAD may experience symptoms such as low mood, lack of energy, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty concentrating, and increased sleepiness during this time period.

Mental health professionals believe that lack of sunlight and shorter days during winter and fall create imbalances in chemicals like melatonin and serotonin that cause depressive symptoms. Light therapy, psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments such as spending more time outdoors during daylight hours can help manage SAD symptoms effectively.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

This is a medical condition that many women experience after childbirth that persists beyond two weeks after the birth. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with daily life and bonding with the newborn. Women with PPD may experience mood swings, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.  

There are rapid and extreme changes in the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone after birth that create chemical changes in the brain which cause mood swings. Additionally, coping with all the new life changes and the lack of rest that comes with having a young infant to take care of can increase vulnerability for depression.   

Psychotic Depression

This is a severe type of depression where individuals start experiencing psychotic symptoms like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (false beliefs not based on reality), along with other depressive symptoms. The combination of severe depression and psychosis can significantly impair daily functioning and increase the risk of self-harm or suicide. Medication becomes a very important treatment intervention in this case.  

Bipolar Disorder

This is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include periods of mania (elevated mood, high energy, and impulsive behavior) and depression (low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness). While it is not a purely depressive condition, individuals with bipolar disorder experience similar symptoms to clinical depression during their depressive episodes.