What Are The Different Forms Of Depression
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Depression is a complex mental disorder which is characterized by a severe and prolonged feeling of sadness, dejection and hopelessness.
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There are several different forms of depression and some of the depressive disorders are described below:
- Major depression -- This is the most severe form of depression, in which most of the symptoms of depression are present, and they are usually more intense or severe. It is characterized by a severe despair and hopelessness, and a strong suicidal tendency. It can result either due to a shocking crisis situation in your life, or as a result of several other personal problems and disappointments throughout the life. Medication and cognitive therapy is the best treatment for major depression.
- Bipolar disorder or manic depressive illness -- This form of depression includes episodes of mood disturbances that include distinct periods of high (when the person is optimistic and buoyant) and low (when the person has a feeling of despair and suicidal tendency) mood swings. It typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder.
- Dysthymic disorder -- It is less severe than major depression but the symptoms are more persistent and resistant to treatment. Dysthymic disorder is a chronic disorder where low mood is experienced almost daily for a period of at least two years. Symptoms include low energy levels, sleep disorders, or appetite disturbances. These symptoms are accompanied by an extremely low self-esteem, feeling of guilt and pessimism, difficulty in concentration and memory problems. Treatment includes a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
Other forms of depression include cyclothymic disorder, postnatal depression (PND), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), unspecified depression and adjustment disorder.
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