انواع مختلف افسردگی different types of depression

Identifying the different types of depression

For this reason, a one-size-fits-all approach to treating depression simply doesn’t work. Identifying the type of depression you might be suffering from is as important as determining the most effective treatment for it. Here, we break down the six most common forms of depression, and explain their more typical treatment options:

1. Major depressive disorder

Also referred to as major depression, clinical depression or unipolar (as opposed to bipolar) depression, major depressive disorder is the most commonly diagnosed form of depression and is a condition whose primary symptom is an overwhelming depressed mood for more than two weeks. The depressed mood affects all facets of the person’s life, including work, home life, relationships and friendships. A person with this kind of depression often finds it difficult to do much of anything or get motivated, so even seeking treatment for this condition can be challenging.

Treatment: Depending on the severity of the symptoms, usually a combination of counselling and antidepressant medication.

2. Persistent depressive disorder

Historically known as dysthymia, this form of depression occurs when depressive symptoms become chronic. Though the symptoms can be very similar to major depressive disorder, those with the persistent variation may have less severe symptoms, but for a more extended period – sometimes defined as two years or longer. Doctors have not identified an exact cause of the disorder, but it does seem to run in families.

Treatment: Some medications work for persistent depressive patients, but they may take longer to work or be less effective than in major depressive patients because of how entrenched the symptoms are. Counselling is also recommended.

3. Psychotic depression

Psychotic depression is characterised not only by depressive symptoms, but also by hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) or delusions (irrational thoughts and fears). Often psychotically depressed people become paranoid or come to believe that their thoughts are not their own or that others can “hear” their thoughts. While people with other mental illness, such as schizophrenia also experience these symptoms, those with psychotic depression are usually aware that these thoughts aren’t true. They may be ashamed or embarrassed and try to hide them, sometimes making this variation difficult to diagnose.

Treatment: Counselling together with combinations of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications have proven to be most effective in easing symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy has also shown to be successful but is generally considered a second line of treatment.

4. Seasonal affective disorder

Thought to be related to the variation in light exposure at different times of the year, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterised by mood disturbances (either periods of depression or mania) that begin and end in a particular season. Depression that starts in winter and subsides when the season ends is the most common and is usually diagnosed after the person has had the same symptoms during winter for a couple of years. People with SAD are more likely to experience lack of energy, sleep too much, overeat, gain weight and crave carbohydrates.

Treatment: A combination of counselling and antidepressants. Light therapy, in which a specialised light box or visor is used for at least 30 minutes each day to replicate natural light, has also proven effective.

5. Bipolar depression

Depression is also a symptom of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depressive disorder), where periods of extreme lows are followed by periods of extreme highs. Symptoms may cycle between depression and mania (where sufferers experience high energy, excitement, racing thoughts and, often, poor judgment) a few times a year or much more rapidly. This disorder has one of the highest risks for suicide.

Treatment: Usually, a combination of mood-stabilising drugs and psychological therapy.

6. Postnatal depression

Also called postpartum depression, this type of mood disorder occurs in some new mothers in the weeks or months following childbirth. While postnatal depression has long been thought to be triggered by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, some believe that it may have more to do with an inability to adapt to new circumstances or a lack of social support. Pregnant women who have little faith in their future abilities to provide effective care for their babies and who generally feel ill-equipped to become mothers have a very high risk of developing depression after the birth of their child.

Treatment: Antidepressant drugs in combination with regular counselling.

Diagnosing Depression

Like any mental disorder, depression is best diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who has specific experience and training in making an accurate diagnosis. While a family doctor or general practitioner can also make a diagnosis, you should also obtain a referral to a mental health professional for follow-up care.

Reference: sacap.edu.za/blog/management-leadership/types-of-depression/