People often use the term depression as an umbrella term. However, healthcare providers have different classifications for the types of depression a patient may have. The different types of depression include:
Major Depressive Disorder (aka Clinical Depression):Major depression is a severe form of depression that often causes intense and overwhelming symptoms that last longer than two weeks. People often feel symptoms nearly everyday and can last for weeks or even months.
Bipolar Depression:This is an outdated name that is different from depression. However, it is sometimes used to refer to the periods where people with bipolar disorder get these very low moods or extremely high-energy (manic) periods. During low periods, people may feel symptoms similar to major depression (sadness, hopelessness, or low energy).
Perinatal and Postpartum Depression:Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy and up to one year after having a baby. Meanwhile, postpartum depression only refers to feelings of depression after giving birth. Both types of depression may result from hormonal changes during pregnancy or childbirth that lead to changes in the brain (such as mood swings). Lack of sleep and discomfort may also play a role.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (also known as dysthymia):People often experience depression symptoms and feelings for at least two years. The severity of symptoms can vary each month. Some days may be less intense and then get worse later on. People can also have major depression at the same time.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (aka PMS) that can lead to physical and psychological symptoms. It affects people a few weeks or days leading up to their period. It can affect an individual by making them experience a level of sadness/depression that gets in the way of living their daily life.
Psychotic Depression:Individuals with psychotic depression experience severe depression symptoms (both mental and physical) accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):SAD is a type of depression affected by the seasons. This type of depression usually occurs in individuals during late fall and early winter (when there is typically less sun). It typically goes away during the spring and summer (when there is more sun).
Situational Depression:Situational depression looks like major depression- but triggered by specific events or situations (such as the death of a loved one). Symptoms tend to occur within 3 months of the event and interfere with one’s daily life.
Atypical Depression:Atypical depression is when one’s depression may temporarily go after experiencing a positive event. One may seem like their normal selves or not as depressed as others. This type tends to occur during long episodes of major depression or persistent depression.