Types of Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders, commonly known simply as ‘depression’, are considered syndromes, which reflect deep misery and/or irritable moods. These mental conditions usually exceed normal levels of sadness or grief, in intensity as well as duration. People experiencing the severe symptoms associated with depression can actually become functionally disabled and will require treatment to get better.

There are different types of depressions, and even though some causes and symptoms may be found in all forms of depression, some may also have their own set of indicators. Marked by excessive sadness and/or loss of interest in activities, a major or clinical depression is probably one of the most common forms of depression. The sufferers of this disorder seem to walk around with the weight of the world on their shoulders and the condition can severely disrupt their life, affecting appetite, sex drive, sleep, work, and close relationships. To be diagnosed with clinical depression, the symptoms must last for at least two weeks and be accompanied by other mental and physical depression symptoms. With this type of depression, the ‘down’ period can last several weeks or months, and then suddenly disappear. At least that is how the patient perceives it, but like the ocean tide rolling in and out, the symptoms usually return, especially if the patient never received proper treatment.

Dysthymia, also referred to as chronic depression, is a less severe form of depression, with symptoms that can last two years or longer. Even if patients with chronic depression seem consistently unhappy, they do not experience severe ‘low’ feelings and are usually able to function adequately. These victims do suffer from a constantly nagging feeling of emptiness and have a rather negative opinion of life. Both major and chronic depressions are part of what is called unipolar depression, which means that the conditions are characterized by only one type of feeling, such as sadness.

People who experience unlimited energy, decreased need for sleep, exaggerated happiness and hyperactivity followed by periods of depression may suffer from manic depression or bipolar disorder. In this case, bipolar reflects on the two different types of feelings that are involved. Mood extremes can range from mild to severe, with slow or rapid changes. Other possible signs of bipolar disorder may be inappropriate behavior, such as abuse of drugs and alcohol, increased sexual desire, unreasonable feelings of power over people or events, and rapid or racing thoughts, which will be quite noticeable during conversations.

Atypical depression is a deviation of major depression, with sufferers who sometimes are also able to experience happiness and moments of euphoria. Symptoms of atypical depression include fatigue and overeating, which may lead to weight gain. People who suffer from atypical depression will respond to negative or positive external events (i.e. interpersonal rejection, success, attention, or praise). Episodes of atypical depression can last for months or may linger forever.

Distinguished not only by depressive symptoms, but also by a co-existing form of psychosis, sufferers of psychotic depression experience hallucinations or delusions and begin to hear and see imaginary things such as sounds, voices, and visuals that do not really exist. Psychotically depressed people often become paranoid, or come to believe that their thoughts are not their own. Symptoms may include anxiety, agitation, hypochondria, insomnia, physical immobility, and cognitive impairment.

Depression can be treated with antidepressant medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy. Some people may also use natural remedies, such as herbal therapy. If the depression is too severe, a sufferer may have to be hospitalized for intensive observation and treatment. Many depressed people, and their close relatives, have found that joining a support group helps to deal with the complications caused by the disorder. To know they are not alone is often enough to help them on their way to a successful recovery.