Depression is a prevalent but also complicated mental health issue characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in enjoyable activities. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities, including eating, sleeping, and working. Depression can vary widely in intensity and duration, ranging from mild to severe and chronic.
Depression can be caused due to genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Its impact transcends age, gender, and socio-economic background, frequently concurrent with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or substance abuse.
Let’s Discuss The Types Of Depression:-
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
Major Depressive Disorder, also referred to as clinical depression, is the most prevalent form of depression. Depression casts a relentless shadow of sadness, hopelessness, and indifference towards once-beloved activities, wreaking havoc on daily life and often demanding urgent professional intervention and compassionate treatment. These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily functioning and may necessitate professional intervention and treatment.
Some issues associated with Major Depression Disorder include:
- Feeling sad and empty without any reasons
- Significant Weight Loss or Gain
- Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
- Continuous feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt over past actions.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD):
Persistent Depressive Disorder(PDD), which used to be called dysthymia, is a long-lasting depressive condition characterized by a consistently low mood lasting at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). Unlike Major Depressive Disorder(MDD), PDD usually involves less severe symptoms but has a more lasting impact.
Some of the issues associated with Persistent Depressive Disorder include:
- Persistent low mood.
- Loss of interesting activities.
- Decreased self-esteem.
- Insomnia, fatigue, and low energy.
- Difficulty in making decisions.
- Overreacting to minor issues.
Bipolar Depression:-
Bipolar depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood fluctuations encompassing episodes of heightened emotions (mania or hypomania) and periods of low mood (depression). It is a complicated disorder that can greatly affect a person’s life and relationships
The differences of Bipolar Depression:
- Bipolar-I Disorder:
This involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes typically manifest as well, enduring for a minimum of two weeks.
- Bipolar-II Disorder:
In this type, the person experiences both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania). Hypomanic episodes do not usually cause significant impairment in functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia):
Cyclothymia is characterized by periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet fully with major depressive disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during specific times of the year, often in the winter months when there is reduced natural sunlight. Symptoms include low energy, excessive sleep, weight gain, and withdrawal from social activities. Reduced exposure to sunlight is often linked to SAD, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and lead to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin.
These behavior changes can lead to the development of depression order. SAD typically starts in late fall or early winter and improves in spring or summer when daylight increases. Some persons suffer from the milder form of Seasonal affective disorder during the summer months, known as reverse SAD, although this is less common.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:-
- Low Mood
- Low Energy
- Hypersomnia Or Insomnia
- Craving Of Overeating
- Get Isolated
Some treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder:-
- Sunlight Therapy
- Counseling
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Medication
Psychotic Depression:-
Psychotic depression is a severe subtype of major depressive disorder(MDD) characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms alongside typical depressive symptoms. These psychotic features can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and/or delusions (strongly held false beliefs).
Symptoms of Psychotic Depression: –
- Hallucinations:
They are seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear. Hallucinations in psychotic depression are typically mood congruent, meaning they are consistent with the person’s depressive themes (e.g., hearing voices telling them they are worthless).
- Delusions:
The person lives in false beliefs. The patient feels shameful. Delusions in psychotic problems which cause them feelings of guilt, personal inadequacy, or deserving punishment
- Severe Impairment:
Psychotic depression can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
- Risk of Suicide:
People with psychotic depression may be at higher risk of suicide compared to those with non-psychotic depression due to the severity of their symptoms. Treatment for psychotic depression typically involves a combination of antidepressant medications (often including both antidepressants and antipsychotic medications) and psychotherapy. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also be considered in severe cases or when other treatments have not been effective. It’s crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms of psychotic depression to seek prompt evaluation and treatment from a mental health professional.