Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as do other illnesses, such as heart disease.
Following are three of the most prevalent types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence. Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime. Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes.