Depression Takes on Different Forms
Major Depression, Dysthymia, and Bipolar are the Most Common
Oct 7, 2009 Karen Cioffi-Ventrice
Depression can last for weeks, months and even years. In addition, it can be remittent. The severity can range from not wanting, or being able, to eat, function, or work at optimal capacity, to contemplating suicide.
A Description of the Most Common Forms of Depression:
Major Depression: this type of depression is serious and disabling. It may be remittent; you can get it once, or it may repeat itself on and off throughout your life. This depression affects your ability to eat, sleep, work, and enjoy yourself. Its symptoms include: agitation, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, hopelessness, withdrawal, and thoughts of suicide.
According to the Mayo Clinic: “Most health professionals today consider depression a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment, much like diabetes or high blood pressure.”
Dysthymia: this is also known as chronic depression and is also a serious disorder. It is characterized by long-term symptoms, which means having symptoms at least two years. While the symptoms may be similar to, but not as severe as Major Depression, it can still affect the sufferer’s ability to function properly or feel well. Those who suffer with dysthymia may also have episodes of major depression during their lifetime.
According to Harvard Health Publications: “About 6% of the population of the United States has had an episode of dysthymia at some time, 3% in the last year. As many as a third of patients in psychotherapy may be suffering from dysthymia.”
Bipolar Disorder: this form of depression is also called manic-depressive illness. It is s serious mental illness. The major characteristic of this disorder is the sufferer may go from being very energetic and in a high mood, to being irritable and/or sad and hopeless. Their mood swings are like a see-saw, up and down. Unlike major depression and dysthymia, bipolar disorder affords the sufferer normal moods in between the highs and lows.
While in the up or manic mood the sufferer will feel wired, jumpy, and talk fast, jumping from topic to topic. He will be irritable, have trouble relaxing and sleeping, be more active, and possibly do dangerous things. He may feel like he can do anything, like he is invincible.
While in the down or depressive mood the sufferer will feel sad, worried and tired. He will have trouble concentrating, forget things, lose interest in enjoyable activities, have trouble sleeping, and even think about suicide.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health: “Bipolar disorder can run in families. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood.”
Other Less Common Types of Depression are:
Postpartum Depression: This type of depression occurs in a new mother usually within a month of having a baby.
Psychotic Depression: This is severe depression accompanied by psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type of depression is related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight.
There are also a number of other forms of Depression not mentioned here - make sure you understand which type you have so you can learn more about your specific situation and its treatments. And, be sure to have any unusual symptoms checked out by a qualified doctor - there are several conditions whose symptoms may include or mimic depression.
If you’d like to learn more about depression you can visit:
University Health Services – Tang Center
Stuck in a Web of Depression
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