Posts Tagged ‘types of depression’

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Types of Depression

When we think of depression, we think of being sad or “blue”, but there are in fact several kinds of depression, with quite variable symptoms. It is even possible to be depressed without an overwhelming feeling of sadness. The most appropriate way to classify depressive syndromes remains hotly debated.

Primary or Secondary Depression?

Often depression occurs as a clear reaction to a life event, such as trauma, physical illness or bereavement. Psychologists may distinguish this (also called reactive depression) from depressions that have no obvious cause, though this isn’t always clear. Categorizing this way is helpful because, if an obvious trigger exists, that can then be addressed.

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Unipolar or Bipolar Depression?

Some people with depression just feel ‘down’, but in manic depression (bipolar disorder) sufferers alternate between sadness and agitated highs. Distinguishing them is crucial because bipolar disorder is treated differently, with effective medications to stabilize mood.

Dysthymia: Personality-Linked Depression

Some people suffer from long-term, mild depression that is part of their personality makeup or style, rather than a bout of depressive illness. Again, this affects modes of treatment.

Psychotic or Neurotic Depression?

This distinction, based on supposedly distinct sets of symptoms, is not much used these days, but was commonly used to separate depressions linked to medical conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder from those caused by psychosocial factors.

Major or Minor Depression?

Though the severity of a depressive episode is obviously important, this classification is less used now. For one thing, depression is a spectrum, with severity not an indicator of a different disease. Also, to label someone as suffering from ‘minor’ depression tends to trivialize their suffering.

Other Types of Depression

Numerous types of depression have been identified, including “atypical” types. For example, people may have the symptoms of depressive disorder without feeling depressed. People suffering from anxiety can also be diagnosed as suffering from depression, even though it is not the primary symptom.

Debates continue, but the important thing is not classification but appropriate treatment for sufferers of depression.

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Causes of Depression

This is one of those topics that people give close attention. It is actually empowering. When you know the causes of an illness, you are more self-aware. The power is in your hands at that point to be proactive.

Depression is an illness that mostly results from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. The ones affected are associated with neural pathways that control mood.

There isn’t just one cause for depression. In fact, finding a cause can be rather complex in its nature. Many of the causes that scientists and doctors have come up with are still being tested. Start with this list and follow up with your doctor for more in-depth information.

1. Heredity – Like other conditions such as alcoholism, you are at a greater risk if someone in your family also has the condition. Those with family members suffering from depression or who have succumbed to a depressive symptom (suicide) are more likely to develop depression according to the experts. They have not identified which types of depression that includes as yet.

2. Illness – There seems to be a correlation between illness and depression. This refers to prolonged illness like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and heart disease. If you already have been exhibiting symptoms of depression before these illnesses your risk is greater.

3. Personality type – People who exhibit low self-esteem, poor body image, inability to handle stress, feelings of isolation and negative thinking are more likely to become depressed.

4. Nutritional deficiencies – What you eat is important. When your diet lacks vitamins and minerals instrumental in brain health, depression could become a reality in your future.

5. Medications – Some medications may have side effects that can lead you to depression. If you’ve ever read the list on the bottle, prolonged use of some can increase depressive symptoms.

Are you concerned that something in your life may be a cause for depression? You won’t know for sure unless you see a professional.