List of Different Depression Types or Diagnoses and their symptoms.

TYPES OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION

Types of Depression and their symptoms

The different types of depression diagnosed are wide and varied and it is rare that one particular type of depression is suffered in isolation from all the others - there is a degree of overlap in terms of depression and symptoms. It is therefore difficult to give a fully comprehensive and effectively structured list of all different types, particularly in a dynamic environment where different new types of depression are identified then dropped on a regular basis. However, I will try and keep this section as comprehensive and up to date as possible.

List of diagnosable depressive states

Major Depression

Major depression is probably one of the most common forms of depression. You probably know a handful of people who suffer from it. The sufferer seems to walk around with the weight of the world on his or her shoulders. He or she seems disinterested in becoming involved in regular activities and seems convinced that he or she will always be in this hopeless state. There is a lack of interest in sexual activity, a significant reduction in appetite and a resulting weight loss.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a variation of depression that is slightly different from major depression. The sufferer is sometimes able to experience happiness and moments of elation. Symptoms of atypical depression include fatigue, oversleeping, overeating and weight gain. People who suffer from atypical depression believe that outside events control their mood (i.e. success, attention and praise). Episodes of atypical depression can last for months or a sufferer may live with it forever.

Psychotic Depression

Sufferers of psychotic depression begin to hear and see imaginary things - sounds, voices and visuals that do not exist. These are referred to as hallucinations, which are generally more common with someone suffering from schizophrenia. The hallucinations are not "positive" like they are with a manic depressive. The sufferer of psychotic depression imagines frightening and negative sounds and images.

Dysthymia

Many people just walk around seeming depressed - simply sad, blue or melancholic. They have been this way all of their lives. This is dysthymia - - a condition that people are not even aware of but just live with daily. They go through life feeling unimportant, dissatisfied, frightened and simply don't enjoy their lives. Medication is beneficial for this type of depression.

Manic Depression (also known as bipolar disorder)

Manic depression or bipolar disorder can be defined as an emotional disorder characterized by changing mood shifts from depression to mania which can sometimes be quite rapid. The “highs” or manic episodes are characterized by extreme happiness, hyperactivity, little need for sleep and racing thoughts, which may lead to rapid speech. Symptoms of the “lows” or depressive periods include extreme sadness, a lack of energy or interest in things, an inability to enjoy normally pleasurable activities and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. On average, someone with bipolar disorder has three years of normal mood between episodes of mania or depression. People who suffer from manic depression have an extremely high rate of suicide.

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