Types of Depression Explained

Different types of depression are classified depending on the specific characteristics they present. Moreover, the symptoms caused by the various kinds of depressive disorders may vary from one individual to another. The only way to know the type of depression you are enduring is through your doctor, who diagnoses some specifiers (depression with specific features).

Let’s find out the different forms of depression.

What are the Types of Depression?

The specific and major depression types include the following:

1. Melancholic features:

   Extreme depression with a lack of interest in activities that used to excite you. The mood worsens in the morning, with feelings of guilt, irritation, or sluggishness.

2. Atypical features:

   Depression that presents temporary joy caused by exciting events. It may also be characterised by increased appetite, excessive sleep, and being too sensitive to rejection.

3. Anxious distress:

   Unusual worry or feelings of restlessness or loss of control.

4. Mixed features:

   It showcases seemingly high self-esteem, increased energy, and too much talking.

5. Psychotic features:

   This depression type is associated with hallucinations and feelings of personal inadequacy, low self-esteem, or other negative expressions.

6. Seasonal pattern:

   A depression type linked to seasonal changes, especially when one can hardly get access to sunlight.
7. Catatonia: This depression involves motor activity. Signs may include uncontrollable movement or fixed posture.

8. Peripartum onset:

   This depression type is associated with pregnancy, either during the journey or after delivery.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the major depression categories include the following:

1. Clinical depression:

   The various types of clinical depression in this category are the most common and severe forms of depression.

2. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)

   This is one of the most chronic mental depression types in children from around 10 years. Symptoms include extreme anger and intense irritability.

3. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

   This category presents the mild to moderate types of depression disease. The symptoms are less intense than the other types of major depressive disorder.

4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

   This condition comes with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms alongside mood symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Mostly, the symptoms ease a few days after menstruation starts.

5. Depressive disorder

   It is caused by an underlying medical condition; different medical conditions can cause depression. However, once you successfully treat the existing health condition, symptoms of depression can also improve.

Conclusion

If your case of depression is severe or interferes with your daily activities or pleasure of life, you may need medication, psychotherapy, or any other necessary treatment. So, it’s essential to visit a medical practitioner for help. Also, lifestyle changes should be considered, such as following healthy eating to help with anxiety. Importantly, it would help if you had a good health insurance policy to cover your treatment costs.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Please do not take this information as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for all questions regarding this or any other medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any impact or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared. 

Also Read

• Managing Depression Effectively: Part 3
• Symptoms of Depression in Teens
• What is Psychotic Depression?
• What is Social Anxiety Disorder and What Does it Mean?
• Types of Social Anxiety Disorder: From Mild to Severe