Types of Depression Depression is diagnosed by studying a person’s behavior and by evaluating his/her state of mind. Many people are not aware that there are several kinds of depression. Medically, several different types of depression have been diagnosed and identified based on the symptoms of depression displayed by people. Based on their symptoms the following paragraphs contain a list of the Different Types of Depression Agitated Depression Symptoms are an agitated state, both mentally and physically, irritability, restlessness and sleeplessness. These symptoms are the opposite of most other kinds of depression. Anxiety Depression Being panicky is a common symptom of this type of depression. The person will also suffer from social phobia and will have panic attacks. Some types of stress disorders are also considered as symptoms of this type of depression. Atypical Depression Symptoms like unusual weight gain with an increased appetite along with mood swings are common in people affected by this type of depression. Other symptoms include sleepiness, heavy feeling in the limbs and a fear of rejection. Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression This can be identified by extreme variations in a person’s mood. Happy moments will include a feeling of ecstasy, sleeplessness, an urge to talk and an increased activity along with overconfidence. This can last a few hours or for days together. However, the person may change suddenly and inexplicably. Catatonic Depression The person is insensitive to his/her environment and may desist from doing necessary chores, or will look aimless. Symptoms similar to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which include repetitive actions, are part of symptoms of this type of depression. Chronic Depression or Dysthymia or Dysthymic Depression Affected person remains depressed for nearly two years. Disturbed eating and sleeping patterns are easily noticeable in the affected person. The person also suffers from a feeling of hopelessness, fatigue and low self-esteem besides displaying an inability to concentrate. Clinical Depression or Major Depression or Major Disruptive Disorder A lack of interest along with fatigue, disturbed sleep, a feeling of worthlessness, confusion are the symptoms that indicate clinical depression. In some cases, the person suffering from such kinds of depression may also harbor suicidal tendencies. Cyclothymia The symptoms are a milder version of manic depression. Irritability and an unpredictable mood, lessen their chance of succeeding with work or social relationships. Double Depression The symptoms are similar to Dysthymia. However, these symptoms can occur for a period of about two weeks. Dysthymic Disorder Symptoms like an irregular eating pattern, fatigue, irregular sleeping pattern, a feeling of low self-esteem along with hopelessness and an inability to concentrate are common in people suffering from this type of depression. Endogenous Depression A person suffering from this type of depression will seem depressed and confused. There will be no apparent reason for the depression. Since there are no external stimuli involved in this type of depression, the person’s body chemistry or a change in the level of hormones is considered a cause. Existential Depression The person suffers from chronic fatigue, which can be a result of domestic or social disturbance. The person also displays a general lack of interest and does not have a passion to do anything. Melancholic Depression The person loses interest in pleasure of any kind and does not show delight even when good things happen. There will be a marked variation in the person’s appetite and weight. A strong feeling of guilt overcomes the person accompanied by excessive movement. All these symptoms will be stronger in the early morning hours as the affected person will wake up early. Medication Induced Depression Prescription drugs like analgesics, antibiotics, stimulants, steroids and sedatives, antifungal medicines as well as drugs to control the heart, all induce some degree of depression. The depression persists for the duration of the medication. Neurotic Depression A feeling of self-pity, embarrassment, guilt or shame overcomes the person. Some types of phobia and the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are also common. Such symptoms are common during a particular time of the day like evening for example. Post Partum Depression Women experience post partum depression after pregnancy. Symptoms like irritability, grief, crying and a feeling of fragileness in women are common after delivery due to this type of depression. Psychotic Depression Hallucinations, a state of delusion and hearing voices in the head are common with people affected with this type of depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) A feeling of sadness and fatigue sets in as soon as the season changes. This kind of behavior may occur only at a certain time of the year and for the rest of the time the person stays normal. Sensitivity and emotional reactions to the amount of daylight at a particular time of year can be easily noticed in the sufferer. Situational Depression or Reactive Depression or Adjustment Disorder This is something different from mood disorder. Symptoms like insomnia, varying levels of appetite, worrying continuously, withdrawal from social and family activities, strong feeling of sorrow and a lack of enthusiasm in response to relocation to a new place, natural disasters, bereavement, etc. identify a person suffering from this type of depression. Substance Induced Depression An emotional disturbance and irritating behavior brought about by overuse of medication or self-medication identify a person suffering from this type of depression. Overuse of alcohol also causes a similar effect. Unipolar Disorder The affected person suffers from a feeling of sadness and a lack of interest in almost all activities. These symptoms can last for months. Depression though common, should not be considered lightly. The above list of different kinds of depression indicates that depression occurs in more than one form and affects in different ways. Hence, a correct diagnosis followed by correct type of therapy becomes important.
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