Main Depression Types And Their Symptoms

Main Depression Types And Their Symptoms

There are persons who use to say they are depressed without actually realizing what it really means. Being sad or disappointed by some unpleasant situation in your life, doesn't mean you are depressed. Depression is a severe mental illness and it should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.


If you are concerned with your symptoms and you'd like to know whether or not they are alarm signals that should make you go see a specialist, this article may be for you.


First of all, you should know there are several types of depression. Major or clinical depression is one of the most severe ones. If you experience a loss of interest in any of your former normal activities, if you aren't interested in your relationships anymore or if you have a constant sense of hopelessness, you might suffer from major depression. Secondary symptoms which may or may not occur in all sufferers include insomnia, lack of appetite, impaired concentration, thoughts of suicide or a significant variation in your body weight (be it loss or gain). An NIMH research shows that 20%-25% of the adult population suffer at least one episode of clinical depression during their lifetime.



Chronic depression or dysthymia is milder. Its symptoms are the same as the ones described above, but their intensity is much more diminished. Sufferers can live and function with the disease, but their quality of life won't be the best. If diagnosed, dysthymia is treatable via psychotherapy or medication.



Manic depression or bipolar disorder, as it is known today, is characterized by dramatic mood changes. In the depression phase, the disorder has the same symptoms as clinical depression. In the manic phase, the sufferer will have racing thoughts, grandiose notions, increased talking volume and speed, risk-taking behaviors, extremely high levels of energy and severe insomnia. The standard treatment may include mood stabilizer drugs such as lithium. Early diagnose and treatment are important in stabilizing the disease and reducing its symptoms.


Psychotic depression is a type of severe depression characterized by special psychosis symptoms. Patients might experience hallucinations either visual or auditive. They might have strange thoughts. For instance, they might believe they are watched and controlled by an extraterrestrial power. Psychotic depression is usually treated in the hospital. Patients may need to be under constant supervision, because they have a very high risk of committing suicide. With proper treatment and care, the disease is treatable, however one can expect at least one year from diagnosis to cure.


Postpartum depression occurs in women after giving birth. The cause is a rapid change in hormones after delivery, combined with all physical and emotional changes associated with having a newborn baby in her life. Although serious, this affection will heal completely in most women. They shouldn't neglect the symptoms. Speaking to a specialist will help them overcome this tough period of their life without any sequels.



Diagnosing depression can be challenging. Sufferers may refuse to go to the doctor. It will be a delicate task for family members to actually make them understand they need help.