Depression can manifest itself in many ways with different factors that cause it. It can last for varying lengths of time. Some causative factors can be genetics, life situations, medications and even the season. It is good to understand your depression and cause so you can best treat it.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
When people use the term clinical depression, they generally refer to MDD. Some symptoms of this type of depression are:
- Lack on interest in normal activities
- Changes in sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in weight
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anger and irritability
These symptoms generally last for longer than two weeks. Anti-depressants and psychotherapy treat MDD.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
This depression is chronic and is present for more days than not in a 2-year period. It can be mild, moderate or severe. There may be periods of non-depression but generally those periods are short lived and last less than 2 months.
Symptoms of PDD are:
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Hopelessness
- Low self-esteem
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Excessive sleeping
This affects women more than men and about 1.5 % of adults in the United States. Treatment usually includes psychotherapy and medications.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by periods of mania and depression. The mania is an abnormal elevated mood that can be so extreme that it impacts the person’s sense of reality. Hospitalization can occur during this time. This mania alternates with major depression. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Body aches and agitation
- Hopelessness
- Irritability
- Indecision and disorganization
Sometimes, in extreme cases, there can be hallucinations and delusions. There is a 15 times greater risk of suicide in bipolar disease.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Some people get depression during the winter month but feel great in the spring. This is SAD. It is believed to be caused by a change in circadian rhythms. Certain geographical areas have a higher incidence relating to the amount of sunshine. It is found to be up to 9 % of the population in Alaska but only about 1% in Florida. Light Therapy is a treatment for SAD.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
There is an immense shift in hormones caused by pregnancy which can affect a woman’s moods. It can happen during pregnancy or post-partum.
Mood changes, anxiety, irritability and very common after giving birth and up to 2 weeks. PPD symptoms are more severe and last longer than 2 weeks. Symptoms of PPD include:
- Social withdrawal
- Trouble bonding with baby
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of hurting self or baby
- Feelings of inadequacy
Postpartum depression can evolve into postpartum psychosis in severe cases. The mom develops confusion, hallucinations and delusions. Antidepressants, counseling and hormone therapy is effective in treating PPD.
Atypical Depression
This depression is characterized by experiencing signs of depression such as excessive sleeping or overeating. Then, when faced with a positive event, these symptoms disappear. A drug that successfully treats this disorder is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor known as MAOI.
Ketamine has an 80% success rate treating depression. Oftentimes, other treatment modalities have failed, and ketamine is used as a last resort. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 can be reached for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
