What are some forms of depression?

Depression manifests differently in each individual and varies in its severity and symptoms. Types of depressive illnesses include major depression, bipolar disorder, chronic depression Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Conditions which are most commonly diagnosed are chronic depression and major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder or clinical depression and chronic depression, is also known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder.

• Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities.
• Dysthymia, a less severe type of depression, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that are not disabling, but keep one from functioning well or feeling good.
• Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) is not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depression.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a major depression that occurs in the winter when the amount of sunlight is limited.
• Postpartum depression occurs within four weeks of childbirth. Most new mothers suffer from some form of the "baby blues."
• Psychotic depression is a rare form of depression characterized by delusions or hallucinations, such as believing you are someone you are not and hearing voices.

There are many different types of depression, including:

• Dysphoria: Brief episodes of sadness or depression that last less than 2 weeks
• Mild depression: Low-level depression that lasts at least 2 years (also called dysthymia)
• Major depression: Intense, disabling depression that may occur in a single episode or recurring episodes
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression that occurs seasonally, specifically during winter, when there is less sunlight
• Postpartum depression: Major depression that can develop in women after giving birth
• Bipolar disorder: Cycles of severe depression alternating with an extremely elevated or irritable mood known as mania (also called manic depression)

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• Major depressive disorder: disabling symptoms that prevent normal functioning. A person might experience only one episode of major depression or might have recurring episodes.
• Dysthymic disorder: long-term (more than two years) less-severe symptoms that prevent the person from feeling well or normal.

Less common forms of depression include:

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): depression during the winter months, when there is less natural light. Half of people who have SAD respond positively to light therapy; others might need medication plus light therapy.
• Bipolar disorder: a cycling of mood changes, from extreme highs to extreme lows. An example would be not sleeping for days and performing high-risk activities, then becoming very depressed and not doing anything for months.