Are You Aware of These Types of Depression?
Depression is not just a prolonged sadness; it more than that. This mental disorder often shows physical symptoms including fatigue, pain at certain body parts especially at the back along with other signs such as chronic fatigue and hopelessness. These symptoms vary from person to person and their intensity changes with the types of depression are going through.
Depression is different and it changes the entire lifestyle of an individual. It affects how you feel, behave, think and reciprocate. You start to lose interest in the activities you used enjoy before. The word depression actually holds nine different types of depressive ailments under its name. Read further to know more about nine types of depression and symptoms.
Major depression
It is the commonest type of depression which has affected around 7% of the US population so far and the numbers are going high. People dealing with major depression experience symptoms such as extreme sadness, loss of interest in activities once pleasurable, changes in eating habits and sleep pattern, physical pain and hopelessness along with suicidal thoughts. Anti-depressant medicines are available to treat the condition.
Dysthymia
It is less severe than major depression but it exists and affects around 2% of US people. This type of depression causes a feeling of low mood for over a prolonged period of time. Patients can carry out their day-to-day activities but they cannot function optimally. Symptoms include trouble focusing, changes in diet and sleep pattern and prolonged sadness.
Postpartum Depression
It is the depression that follows after childbirth. Around 85% women across the globe suffer from postpartum depression. One can experience symptoms such as extended sadness, fear about hurting the baby, anxiety, along with feelings of detachment from the baby.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
This is a seasonal depression that generally occurs in winter. Approximately 4 to 6% of people have been diagnosed with this type of depression in the US. Daytime tiredness, weight gain, irritability, anxiety are some of the symptoms showed by people with seasonal affective disorder. These symptoms are mild but they can turn severe if not treated on time.
Atypical Depression
This is not an unusual type of depression yet it is the most misunderstood one. A feeling of heaviness in arms and legs is one of the major symptoms of atypical depression. According to a study, overeating and oversleeping are two other alarming signs of this form of depression. People with this depressive disorder often have troubled relationships and they tend to gain weight.
Psychotic Depression
This type of depression is characterized by strange behavior of the sufferer as he starts having false beliefs or delusions, and also experiences hallucinations. People dealing with psychotic depression may go silent and refuse to leave their bed. A combination of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs is prescribed to these people.
Bipolar Disorder
As the name goes by, this depressive ailments shows periods of highs and lows called as mania and depression respectfully. Symptoms range from extremely high energy levels, excitement, racing thoughts etc. People with bipolar disorder are often treated with mood stabilizers.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD
It is typically seen in women and it appears in the second half of their menstrual cycle. Depression, anxiety, mood swings are some of the symptoms to look for. Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is entirely different from PMDD. Treatment options include antidepressants and nutrition supplements.
Situational Depression
As the name suggests, this arises due to a stressful or life-altering situation. Trauma, loss of a job or a loved one and a bad breakup trigger situational depression. It is three times common that major depression but medicines are rarely required to curb the symptoms. Nervousness, sadness, constant worrying is some of the symptoms of situational depression.
It is important to pay attention to slightest of changes in your or your loved one’s behavior as this might be the onset of any types of depression mentioned above.