Roughly 40% of the American population had depression. During the pandemic, this has only increased. Feelings of depression come and go, but others find it difficult to function daily because of their depression.
Did you know about the different types of depression disorders? Knowing these can help doctors diagnose and treat the symptoms of depression. Here is a depression guide to help you understand the different types of depression.
Table of Contents
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder or MDD is generally regarded as clinical depression. It produces symptoms like loss of interest in activities, depressed mood, weight loss, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and sleeplessness. The cause of MDD may be a lack of serotonin in the brain, outside factors, or both.
People who experience these symptoms for several weeks may be diagnosed with MDD. A variety of therapies and treatments are available for those with MDD, like those at the Ketamine Wellness Center.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is also a depressive disorder that causes extreme fluctuations in mood. This is called mania, in which a person may feel extreme feelings of happiness or extreme sadness. Mania can impact your ability to function at your job or life in general.
You may notice markers like rapid speech, grand planning, risky behaviors, feeling high, or inability to sleep, and some people even have hallucinations. Bipolar disorder management includes medication depending on the severity of symptoms.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder or PDD is like MDD but symptoms come and go. The symptoms are very similar to MDD, but you may go through times where you’re not depressed. Females are more likely to have PDD than MDD.
You may still experience symptoms like irritability, guilt, disinterest in eating, or trouble concentrating. Persistent depressive disorder is managed through medication and therapy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, only occurs in the winter months. When there’s a lack of sunlight, it disrupts a circadian rhythm in your body and this causes symptoms of depression. People who live in areas where there are long winters are more likely to experience SAD.
Treatment for SAD is light therapy. Light therapy impacts your brain and may decrease the symptoms associated with SAD.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual syndrome is a common occurrence among women before menstruation, resulting in symptoms like mood swings, bloating, or tender breasts. However, for some women, these symptoms are more severe. This is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.
PMDD symptoms may include extreme food cravings, anxiety, hopelessness, bloating, crying, and fatigue. Many women take an anti-depressant for the time leading up to their period to help with symptoms.
Understanding the Different Types of Depression Disorders
These are some of the more common types of depressiob disorders. While depression may seem hopeless, there are treatments for those who suffer from symptoms of depression. Don’t hesitate to get help and start living your life again.
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