Most Common Types Of Depression

Can Depression Be Prevented

You can help prevent depression by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and practicing regular self-care activities such as exercise, meditation and yoga.

If youve had depression before, you may be more likely to experience it again. If you have depression symptoms, get help. Care can help you feel better sooner.

Major Depression: A Common Type Of Depression

The most common type of depression? Major depression. About 7 percent of the adult U.S. population has this debilitating mental health condition at any given time, according to the National Institute of Mental Health .

If you’re experiencing major depression, you may feel and see symptoms of extreme sadness, hopelessness, anhedonia or loss of interest in pleasurable activities, lack of energy, irritability, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep or eating habits, feelings of guilt, physical pain, and thoughts of death or suicide and for an official diagnosis, your symptoms must last for more than two weeks. In some instances, a person might only experience one episode of major depression, but this type of depression tends to recur throughout a person’s life.

The best treatment is usually antidepressant medications, explains Dr. Halaris, but talk therapy may also be used to treat depression. And there’s good news: An estimated 80 to 90 percent of people with major depression respond well to treatment.

Ongoing Mood Cognitive Changes May Require Professional Help

Depression is not only hard to endure, it is also a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. “Depressive symptoms can occur in adults for many reasons. If you are experiencing mood or cognitive changes that last for more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to bring this up with your doctor or consult a mental health specialist to help sort out possible causes,” says Dr. Nancy Donovan, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.The four most common types of depression are major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

Major depression. The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are usually pleasurable. Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. For some people with severe depression that isn’t alleviated with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective.

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Psycom Explains The Different Types Of Depression From Major Depressive Disorder To Dysthymia Postpartum Depression Seasonal Affective Disorder And More

is more than just feeling sad. Everyone feels low, upset, or unmotivated from time to time, but depression is much more than simply being down in the dumps. Depressive disorder is a mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. Signs and symptoms of depression can range from hopelessness and fatigue, to a loss of interest in life, physical pain, and even suicidal thoughts. The states that should a person present with these symptoms for a period of two weeks, the individual is experiencing a depressive episode.

There are many different types of depression, some of which are caused by events in your life, and others by chemical changes in the brain. Depression can be thought of as an umbrella term for a variety of disorders, some of which are caused by certain life events or situations, and others by chemical changes in the brain. Whats more, while some of the symptoms associated with the various depressive disorders overlap, there are also some key differences.

With the term depression encompassing so many types of depression, if you think you might be depressed, you may be asking yourself: what kind of depression do I have?

Dysthymia: The Common Depression Type You May Not Know

About 2 percent of the American population have a depression type that’s less severe than major depression, but is still very real dysthymia.

Dysthymia is a type of depression that causes a low mood over a long period of time perhaps for a year or more, says Halaris. “People can function adequately, but not optimally.” Symptoms include sadness, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and changes in sleep habits and appetite.

This depression type usually responds better to talk therapy than to medications, though some studies suggest that combining medication with talk therapy may lead to the greatest improvement. People with dysthymia may also be at risk for episodes of major or clinical depression.

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Most Common Types Of Depression:

1. Major Depressive Disorder When people use the term clinical depression, they are generally referring to major depressive disorder . Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder characterized by a number of key features:

• Lack of interest in activities normally enjoyed
• Changes in weight
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death and suicide

If a person experiences the majority of these symptoms for longer than a two-week period, they will often be diagnosed with a MDD. 2. Persistent Depressive DisorderDysthymia, now known as persistent depressive disorder, refers to a type of chronic depression present for more days then not for at least two years. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.

3. Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by periods of abnormally elevated mood known as mania. These periods of A major can be mild or they can be so extreme as to cause marked impairment with a persons life, require hospitalization, or affect a persons sense of reality. The vast majority of those with bipolar illness also have episodes of major depression. In addition to depressed mood and markedly diminished interest in activities, people with bipolar depression often have a range of physical and emotional symptoms which may include:

The risk of suicide in bipolar illness is 15 times greater than in the general population. Psychosis can also occur in more extreme cases.

How Are Mood Disorders Treated

Mood disorders can often be treated with success. Treatment may include:

• Antidepressant and mood stabilizing medicinesespecially when combined with psychotherapy have shown to work very well in the treatment of depression

• Psychotherapymost often cognitive-behavioral and/or interpersonal therapy. This therapy is focused on changing the persons distorted views of himself or herself and the environment around him or her. It also helps to improve interpersonal relationship skills, and identifying stressors in the environment and how to avoid them

• Other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial stimulation

Families play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.

When correctly diagnosed and treated, people with mood disorders can live, stable, productive, healthy lives.

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Key Points About Mood Disorders

• A mood disorder is a mental health class that health professionals use to broadly describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders.

• The most common types of mood disorders are major depression, dysthymia , bipolar disorder, mood disorder due to a general medical condition, and substance-induced mood disorder.

• There is no clear cause of mood disorders. Healthcare providers think they are a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Some types of mood disorders seem to run in families, but no genes have yet been linked to them.

• In general, nearly everyone with a mood disorder has ongoing feelings of sadness, and may feel helpless, hopeless, and irritable. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years, and can impact quality of life.

• Depression is most often treated with medicine, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, or a combination of medicine and therapy. In some cases, other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial stimulation may be used.

Major Depressive Disorder With Atypical Features

Atypical depression is a form of depression in which the symptoms differ from the usual symptoms of depression.

Doctors do not understand this form of depression as well as they do other types. They may diagnose it as major depressive disorder with atypical features.

One key feature of atypical depression is that the persons mood temporarily lifts when something positive happens. Doctors call this mood reactivity.

Researchers state that a person must have two or more of the following symptoms in addition to mood reactivity to receive a diagnosis of atypical depression:

• significant weight gain

Other medications that can be helpful include anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Individuals should discuss the benefits and potential risks of antidepressant use with their doctor.

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Atypical Depression: A Misunderstood Type Of Depression

Despite its name, atypical depression is not unusual. In fact, it may be one of the most common types of depression and some doctors even believe it is underdiagnosed.

“This type of depression is less well understood than major depression,” says Halaris. Unlike major depression, a common sign of atypical depression is a sense of heaviness in the arms and legs like a form of paralysis. However, a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that oversleeping and overeating are the two most important symptoms for diagnosing atypical depression.

People with this depression type may also gain weight, be irritable, and have relationship problems. Other features of atypical depression include low mood reactivity and a long-standing pattern of being extra sensitive to interpersonal rejection.

Some studies show that talk therapy works well to treat this type of depression.

Psychotic Depression: Losing Touch With Reality

Psychosis a mental state characterized by disorganized thinking or behavior false beliefs, known as delusions or false sights or sounds, known as hallucinations doesn’t typically get associated with depression. But according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 20 percent of people with depression have episodes so severe that they develop psychotic symptoms.

“People with this psychotic depression may become catatonic, not speak, or not leave their bed,” Halaris says. Treatment may require a combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. A review of 10 studies concluded that it may be best to start with an antidepressant drug alone and then add an antipsychotic drug if needed. Another review, however, published in April 2012 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found that the combination of medications was more effective than either drug alone in treating this serious type of depression.

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Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

is a fairly recent diagnosis, appearing for the first time in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013. The DSM-5 classifies DMDD as a type of depressive disorder, as children diagnosed with DMDD struggle to regulate their moods and emotions in an age-appropriate way. As a result, children with DMDD exhibit frequent temper outbursts in response to frustration, either verbally or behaviorally. In between outbursts, they experience chronic, persistent irritability.

Your Questions Answered

• How is DMDD different from bipolar disorder? While the key feature of DMDD is irritability, the hallmark of bipolar disorder is the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes. Although DMDD and bipolar disorder can both cause irritability, manic episodes tend to occur sporadically, while in DMDD the irritable mood is chronic and severe.

• What is the treatment for DMDD? A combination of psychotherapy and parent management techniques are the first step towards teaching children coping skills for regulating their moods and emotions and teaching parents how to manage outbursts. However, medication may also be prescribed if these methods alone are not effective.

• Can children grow out of DMDD? Children are unlikely to simply grow out of DMDD without learning how to effectively regulate their moods and emotions. If you think your child may have DMDD, seek advice from a mental health professional for diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

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Major Depression Or Clinical Depression

A situation when depression symptoms are present with you for more than weeks or most of the days of the week. Some of the major features that could be noticed are:

• Persistent sadness

• No concentration in any work
• Staying away from society and social circle

What To Do?

Once again, taking help from an expert or psychologist is one option to be considered. Various therapies are applied for this depression type as required.

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Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs

The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.

Which Of The Following Is The Type Of Hallucination Is Most Common In Schizophrenia

The prevalence of different types of hallucinations and their clinical correlates were examined in 117 DSM-III-R schizophrenic or schizoaffective disorder patients. Auditory hallucinations were by far the most common, followed by visual hallucinations, and then by tactile and olfactory or gustatory hallucinations.

Which is the most common type of delusion experienced by people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder?

The most common delusions are persecutory and involve the belief that individuals or groups are trying to hurt, harm, or plot against the person in some way.

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The Six Most Common Types Of Depression

• The Six Most Common Types of Depression

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. According to the WHO , depression affects more than 264 million people worldwide. There are six major types of depression and learning about each may lead to better personal mental health habits.

MAJOR DEPRESSION DISORDER

One of the most common types that is more acute , symptoms associated with Major Depression are an increase or decrease in sleep, poor eating habits, an increase or decrease in libido and a deep sense of anhedonia, which means loss of pleasure-seeking feelings and activities. In severe cases, suicidal ideations can occur. Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Outpatient group therapy, individual therapy, and medication are often recommended.

PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

This type of depression is chronic and has lasted for at least two years. People suffering from this have a low mood, but it is usually not as severe as Major Depression. People experience many of the same symptoms of MDD including, concentration issues and feelings of hopelessness. PDD is best treated with a combination of therapy and medication.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

PERIPARTUM/POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER

Bipolar Disorder: From High To Low

If your periods of extreme lows are followed by periods of extreme highs, you could have bipolar disorder .

Symptoms of mania include high energy, excitement, racing thoughts, and poor judgment. “Symptoms may cycle between depression and mania a few times per year or much more rapidly,” Halaris says. “This disorder affects about 2 to 3 percent of the population and has one of the highest risks for suicide.” Bipolar disorder has four basic subtypes: bipolar I bipolar II cyclothymic disorder and other specified bipolar and related disorder.

People with this type of depression are typically treated with drugs called mood stabilizers.

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Am I Depressed Lets Talk About 8 Common Symptoms Of Depression

While society has made great strides in overcoming the stigma of mental health, confusion still remains surrounding even the most common disorders.

Youve certainly heard the word depression before. Your friend missed out on concert tickets they had their heart set on purchasing and they utter the phrase, Ugh, Im so depressed I wont be at the show!

This term is thrown around so often that its beginning to become a near-dinner-table topic of conversation. But what is it really? How do you know if youre depressed or just sad?

Lets explore this topic a bit. Well cover what depression is, and a few of the most common signs that may indicate something more serious is going on.

Who Is At Risk For Mood Disorders

Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. However, mood disorders are more intense and harder to manage than normal feelings of sadness. Children, teens, or adults who have a parent with a mood disorder have a greater chance of also having a mood disorder. However, life events and stress can expose or worsen feelings of sadness or depression. This makes the feelings harder to manage.

Sometimes, life’s problems can trigger depression. Being fired from a job, getting divorced, losing a loved one, death in the family, and financial trouble, to name a few, all can be difficult and coping with the pressure may be troublesome. These life events and stress can bring on feelings of sadness or depression or make a mood disorder harder to manage.

The risk of depression in women is nearly twice as high as it is for men. Once a person in the family has this diagnosis, their brothers, sisters, or children have a higher chance of the same diagnosis. In addition, relatives of people with depression are also at increased risk for bipolar disorder .

Once a person in the family has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the chance for their brothers, sisters, or children to have the same diagnosis is increased. Relatives of people with bipolar are also at increased risk for depression.

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Postpartum And Perinatal Depression

Postpartum depression refers to depression that develops within the first year of giving birth. It differs from the baby blues, which is a phenomenon that affects of mothers after giving birth.

People with the baby blues experience relatively mild anxiety, fatigue, and sadness that typically persist for before going away without treatment. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, causes more extreme symptoms of depression.

Postpartum depression affects almost 15% of births, with symptoms most commonly appearing within 1 week to 1 month of the delivery. Treatment is usually necessary for those with postpartum depression.

People can also experience depression throughout pregnancy. Doctors use the revised term perinatal depression to describe depression that occurs both during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby.