Depression is not a one-size-fits-all illness. The bipolar type of depression
differs distinctly from the seasonal type of depression that occurs during the
dark winter months. How a type of depression is treated in an adult varies
greatly from treatment in a type f depression in a child or teen.
Depression is not a one-size-fits-all illness. The bipolar type of depression
differs distinctly from the seasonal type of depression that occurs during the
dark winter months. How a type of depression is treated in an adult varies
greatly from treatment in a type f depression in a child or teen.
Further confusing the depression type issue are the number of labels used to
describe a type of depression; manic, clinical, major, seasonal affective,
unipolar, dysthymic...
For the purpose of addressing as many depression types as possible, the type
of depression will be broken down by demographics and by clinical definition. We
encourage you to read about each type of depression that pertains to you or your
loved one, as each type of depression possesses unique characteristics while
sharing similar symptoms and characteristics with of types of depression.
It is important to note that while antidepressants are often the first line
of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most types of depression. Discuss
natural alternatives like Deprex with your health care provider before using
prescription medications with potentially serious and life-threatening side
effects.
Type of Depression by Demographics:
- Childhood Depression.
- Adolescent Depression.
- Depression in Women.
- Depression in Men.
- Depression in the Elderly.
Type of Depression by Cause:
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
differs from PMS in severity. While most women experience some premenstrual
symptoms of irritability or depressed mood to a greater or lesser degree, the
about four percent of women suffering from PMDD have severe symptoms of
irritability and/or depression for a week or two prior to or during
menstruation.
- Pregnancy and Post-partum Depression: Wildly fluctuating hormones during
pregnancy and childbirth cause "Baby Blues" in about half of all new mothers,
about 10 percent of women will experience Postpartum Depression (PPD), a type of
depression that worsens instead of getting better after childbirth.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder/Winter Depression: Seasonal Affective Disorder,
also known as winter depression and SAD, is very common in parts of the country
that have cold, cloudy winters with little sunshine. Lower serotonin levels and
higher melatonin levels are thought to be the culprits in this type of
depression.
- Holiday Depression: For some, the holiday season are not one of joy and
cheer but of loneliness, anxiety and self-evaluation.
Type of Depression by Clinical Definition:
- Clinical Depression: Clinical depression is the broad-based definition for
any depression that is severe enough to require treatment.
- Major Depression: This type of depression is a step up from a single period
of clinical depression. Major depression is also referred to as unipolar
depression and major depressive disorder,
- Bipolar (Manic) Depression: Bipolar depression is known by a number of
names; bipolar disorder, manic-depression, manic depressive disorder. The
bipolar type of depression is marked by high highs and low lows. A brain
chemistry imbalance is widely thought to cause this up and down roller coaster
of emotions.
- Atypical Depression: This type of depression commonly affects women and is
marked by periods of depression that appear to improve and then worsen.
Overeating, hypersensitivity, panic attacks and oversleeping are characteristics
of this type of depression.
- Psychotic Depression: The person with psychotic depression needs immediate
and professional help. Symptoms of this type of depression include auditory and
visual hallucinations and delusional thinking.
- Dysthymia: The characteristics of this type of depression are chronic but
mild depression, as compared to a single severe episode.
Return to Depression
Directory.
