types of depression
Depression is diagnosed by studying a person’s behavior and assessing their mood. Many people are not aware that there are various types of depression. Medically, several different types of depression have been diagnosed and identified based on the symptoms of depression that people display.
Based on your symptoms, the following paragraphs contain a list of
different types of depression
hectic depression
The symptoms are an agitated state, both mentally and physically, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. These symptoms are the opposite of most other types of depression.
Anxiety Depression
Panic is a common symptom of this type of depression. The person will also suffer from social phobia and have panic attacks. Some types of stress disorders are also considered symptoms of this type of depression.
atypical depression
Symptoms such as unusual weight gain with increased appetite along with mood swings are common in people affected by this type of depression. Other symptoms include drowsiness, a feeling of heaviness in the extremities, and fear of rejection.
Bipolar disorder or manic depression
This can be identified by extreme variations in a person’s mood. Happy moments will include a feeling of ecstasy, insomnia, an urge to talk, and increased activity along with overconfidence. This can last a few hours or days at a time. However, the person can change suddenly and inexplicably.
catatonic depression
The person is insensitive to their environment and may give up doing necessary tasks, or appear aimless. Symptoms similar to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which include repetitive actions, are part of the symptoms of this type of depression.
Chronic depression or dysthymia or dysthymic depression
The affected person remains depressed for almost two years. The disturbed eating and sleeping patterns are easily noticeable in the affected person. The person also suffers from a feeling of hopelessness, fatigue, and low self-esteem in addition to displaying an inability to concentrate.
Clinical depression or major depression or major disruptive disorder
Lack of interest along with fatigue, disturbed sleep, a feeling of worthlessness, confusion are the symptoms that indicate clinical depression. In some cases, the person suffering from this type of depression may also harbor suicidal tendencies.
cyclothymia
The symptoms are a milder version of manic depression. Irritability and an unpredictable mood reduce your chances of success at work or in social relationships.
double depression
The symptoms are similar to dysthymia. However, these symptoms can occur over a period of approximately two weeks.
dysthymic disorder
Symptoms such as irregular eating pattern, fatigue, irregular sleeping pattern, a feeling of low self-esteem along with hopelessness and an inability to concentrate are common in people suffering from this type of depression.
endogenous depression
A person suffering from this type of depression will appear depressed and confused. There will be no apparent reason for depression. Since there are no external stimuli involved in this type of depression, the person’s body chemistry or a change in the level of hormones is considered a cause.
existential depression
The person suffers from chronic fatigue, which may be the result of domestic or social disturbances. The person also shows a general lack of interest and has no passion for doing anything.
melancholic depression
The person loses interest in pleasure of any kind and shows no pleasure even when good things happen. There will be a marked variation in the person’s appetite and weight. A strong feeling of guilt seizes the person accompanied by excessive movement. All these symptoms will be stronger in the early hours of the morning since the affected person will wake up early.
drug-induced depression
Prescription medications such as pain relievers, antibiotics, stimulants, steroids and sedatives, antifungal medications, and heart control medications all induce some degree of depression. The depression persists for the duration of the medication.
neurotic depression
A feeling of self-pity, shame, guilt or embarrassment takes over the person. Some types of phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms are also common. Said symptoms are common during a particular time of the day like night, for example.
Postpartum depression
Women experience postpartum depression after pregnancy. Symptoms such as irritability, grief, crying and a feeling of fragility in women are common after childbirth due to this type of depression.
psychotic depression
Hallucinations, a delusional state, and hearing voices in the head are common in people affected by this type of depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
A feeling of sadness and fatigue sets in as soon as the season changes. This type of behavior can occur only at a certain time of the year and during the rest of the time the person remains normal. Sensitivity and emotional reactions to the amount of daylight at a particular time of year can be easily noted in the victim.
Situational depression or reactive depression or adjustment disorder
This is somewhat different from mood disorder. Symptoms such as insomnia, variable levels of appetite, constant worry, withdrawal from social and family activities, strong feelings of sadness and lack of enthusiasm in response to relocation to a new place, natural disasters, bereavement, etc. identify a person suffering from this type of depression.
substance-induced depression
An emotional disturbance and irritating behavior caused by the excessive use of medications or self-medication identify a person suffering from this type of depression. Excessive use of alcohol also causes a similar effect.
unipolar disorder
The affected person suffers a feeling of sadness and lack of interest in almost all activities. These symptoms can last for months.
Depression, though common, should not be considered lightly. The above list of different types of depression indicates that depression occurs in more than one form and affects you in different ways. Therefore, a correct diagnosis followed by the correct type of therapy becomes important.