Different Types of Depression: An Overview

Although depression is a common condition, it can be a confusing disorder to understand, as it has multiple types, all with unique symptoms and ranges of severity.

In this article, read about the different types of depression, their causes, symptoms, and prevention and treatment methods.

What Is Depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that causes symptoms affecting feelings, thoughts, and daily functioning. It can have severe and lasting effects. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. It can affect anybody, no matter their race, age, gender, income, or education. It can occur with other mental health and physical illnesses as well. 

Causes

Research has shown that there is not one single cause of depression. It can result from a combination of psychological, genetic, biological, and environmental factors. It often begins in adulthood, but it is seen in children and adolescents as well, often with differing symptoms than in adults. Especially in adults, depression can be comorbid (co-occur) with other medical illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease, a neurological (brain) disorder.

Some risk factors for depression include:

• Personal history of depression 
• Family history of depression
• Significant life changes 
• Traumatic events
• Chronic stress
• Specific physical illnesses and medications
  

The Different Types of Depression and Their Symptoms

There are several different types of depression, which vary in timing and symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders are from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the book used by mental health professionals to diagnose conditions.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is diagnosed when someone has at least five of the symptoms below, all day and nearly every day for at least two weeks. One of these symptoms must be a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities.

The symptoms of MDD that are in the diagnostic criteria include:

• Depressed mood (or irritability in children and adolescents)
• Decreased interest or pleasure in daily activities (anhedonia) 
• Weight loss or gain, or a noticeable change in appetite
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• Noticeable changes in physical movements, as in moving very slowly or being more restless and agitated
• Fatigue or loss of energy 
• Feeling worthless or inappropriately guilty 
• Difficulty thinking and concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a specifier added to the diagnosis of MDD. It is assigned when certain signs and symptoms are present a majority of the time during a major depressive episode. One of the features is mood reactivity, meaning someone’s mood brightens in response to positive events. Atypical depression also presents with at least two of the following features:

• Significant increase in appetite or weight gain 
• Sleeping too much (hypersomnia) 
• Heavy feelings in arms and legs (leaden paralysis) 
• Consistent pattern of sensitivity to interpersonal rejection, which causes impairment
  

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is also known as dysthymia. It is characterized by a depressed mood that is present for most of the day, most days, for at least two years (or for one year in children and adolescents). They must have two or more specific symptoms in addition to the depressed mood. These are:

• Decreased appetite or overeating 
• Insomnia or sleeping more than usual 
• Low energy 
• Low self-esteem 
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling hopeless

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that occurs before or after a child's birth. In the DSM, it is formally known as major depressive disorder with peripartum onset.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition characterized by severe irritability, lability (shifting moods), depression, or anxiety during the one to two weeks prior to the beginning of menstruation. The symptoms tend to resolve about two to three days after the period begins.

Symptoms of PMDD can include:  

• Irritability or anger 
• Sadness, feelings of despair, or thoughts of suicide
• Tension or anxiety 
• Panic attacks 
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in daily activities 
• Difficulty thinking or focusing 
• Fatigue or low energy 
• Food cravings or binge eating 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Feeling a loss of control
• Cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle pain

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression in which symptoms occur and recur seasonally. It is formally known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern. Symptoms are more likely in winter months, but can also occur in the summer.

Symptoms include ones that may happen with major depressive disorder, but there are some that are more likely with a particular pattern of SAD. For example, oversleeping (hypersomnia) is sometimes present in SAD occurring in the winter, while difficulty sleeping (insomnia) sometimes occurs in summer-pattern SAD.

Bipolar Disorder

A major depressive episode may occur as part of bipolar disorder, the condition formerly known as manic-depressive disorder or manic depression. It causes shifts in mood and energy, as well as actions and behaviors.

Mood can alternate between persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable—which are known as manic episodes—to sad, empty, or hopeless periods of depression. A less-severe episode of mania is called a hypomania. Sometimes manic and depressive symptoms may appear together, which is called a mixed episode.

There are three forms of bipolar disorders. They are characterized by differences in the types of mood changes that occur. They are:

• Bipolar 1 disorder: This is diagnosed when manic episodes occur for at least seven days or cause a need for hospitalization due to the symptom severity. Depressive episodes can occur as well. 
• Bipolar 2 disorder: This occurs when there is a combination of depressive episodes and periods of hypomania. If any manic episodes occur, then the condition will not be classified as bipolar 2 disorder. 
• Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): People with this condition experience numerous episodes of hypomania and depression for at least two years (or one year if a child or adolescent). However, the symptoms never qualify as a full hypomanic or depressive episode.
  

How Do I Know Which Type I Have?

To determine what type of depression or mental health condition you have, the first step is to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Primary care providers (PCPs) often will diagnose and treat depression—as well as some other mental health conditions—but they can also refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Whichever doctor you see, you will be asked for a thorough history of your symptoms and will likely undergo a physical exam. 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

Diagnosis and treatment of a mental illness are done by primary care providers and mental health professionals. Some professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness are psychiatrists (who are physicians) and psychologists. To start the conversation, keep in mind these tips for speaking with a healthcare provider about mental health:

• Prepare before the visit, listing any medications you take, questions you have, and family history
• Consider bringing a friend or relative for support
• Be honest about any symptoms you have been having
• Ask questions

Treatments of depression include both non-medication and medication options. Non-medication treatment typically involves psychotherapy, or talk therapy. Therapy can help teach new ways of thinking, behaving, and interacting, as well as provide coping strategies. This may also help you change habits that may have negatively affected your mood. Therapy is often tried on its own or in conjunction with medication, depending on the individual.

Depending on the type of depression you have, different medications may be used. Common types of medications used to treat depression are called antidepressants. Antidepressants can take up to several weeks to become effective, so it is important to work with your doctor to manage these medications over time. Always consult with your healthcare provider prior to changing or stopping the medicine.

Management and Prevention

The management of depression and related conditions usually involves professional treatment and personal lifestyle changes. Participating in activities you used to enjoy can help improve your mood, and it is important to go easy on yourself. Nonmedical interventions that can help improve mood include:

• Participating in physical activity, even 30 minutes of walking 
• Sticking to regular bedtime and waking times 
• Eating regular and healthy meals 
• Prioritizing tasks, doing what is needed when you can
• Connecting with other people
• Talking with trusted people about how you feel 
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
  

When to Seek Help for Depression

If someone notices symptoms of depression in themselves or a loved one and it is affecting their daily life and functioning, it is important to seek professional help from a primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. They will be able to appropriately diagnose and provide treatment if necessary.

Summary

There are many types of depression that vary based on when and how they occur, whom they affect, and what symptoms they cause. These include major depressive disorder, atypical depression, persistent depressive disorder, perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and depression that occurs as part of a bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis can be determined by a primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Treatment for each type of depression varies, but usually therapy and/or medications are prescribed. Nonmedical interventions can also be helpful, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and connecting with others.

A Word From Verywell

The different forms of depression can range in symptoms and severity. and they are serious illnesses that can greatly impact your life and functioning. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. Sometimes it is difficult to make that first step to seek help, so look to trusted friends and family for support and encouragement. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, you can feel better and regain your life.