Some studies have shown that suicidal thoughts are greatly increased in people in the midst of a mixed state. The most common seasonal pattern is recurrent depression in late fall and early winter or sometimes in the late spring or early summer around the time of the solstices. There clearly seems to be some biologic component to this, perhaps having to do with ambient light and its duration and intensity. There has been a great deal of study in using bright-light therapy as a treatment intervention for mood disorder. In addition, standard treatments such as antidepressant medicines are also effective for treating people with a seasonal pattern to their mood disorder.
Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode following the delivery of a child.
The length of the postpartum period for risk of depression varies, but the greatest risk is within the first one to three months after delivery. This is an especially vulnerable period, and obstetricians and pediatricians need to be especially vigilant during this time. Recognizing postpartum depression not only alleviates illness and suffering in the mother, but also prevents secondary effects on the growth and development of the infant. The bipolar type resembles bipolar disorder with recurrent manic and depressive episodes over time, but has psychotic symptoms outside the manic or depressive episodes. The psychosis is more chronic punctuated by manic and depressive episodes.