Types of Depression: Recognizing the Differences and Specifics
Depression can affect anyone. The stress of first-time parenthood, college finals, and working just to get by can all cause low feelings of emptiness and sadness.
What happens when these feelings progress? The first time mother finds herself unable to stop crying – the weight of parenthood making her crumble under the pressure. The college student fails the exam, causing a spiral of despair wondering if what they chose to do is even worth it anymore. And the person working so hard just to make enough to feed the family but not themselves, they begin to wonder – is any of this even worth it?
Florida residents are no strangers to these feelings. In February of 2023, a survey found that32.3% of Floridians experienced symptoms of a depressive or anxiety disorder. The national average was also 32.3%.
Did you know that there are different types of depression? The mother above will not have the same type as the college student, nor will they have the same type as the worker. Understanding the differences between situations and disorders can help you or a loved one find the proper care sooner. Clean Recovery Centers specializes in mental health care, including these various types of depression. Let’s talk about them and how they relate to different people.
DSM-5 Classified Depressive Disorders and How to Recognize Them
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) contains all of the diagnostic information about depression, depressive disorders, and mental health conditions and is utilized by medical professionals throughout the world.
In order to recognize a certain depressive disorder, it is necessary to understand the different symptoms of each and how they occur. Let’s explore these further.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most severe form of depression. Often called clinical depression, MDD is characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and emptiness that persist for most days over two weeks. Other symptoms include loss of interest in activities, low motivation, low mood, and sleep and appetite changes. MDD is one of the most common forms of depression, affecting over 21 million Americans each year.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS causes moodiness along with bloating, headaches, and fatigue. Many women experience PMS during the last week of the luteal phase, typically 7-10 days before their period begins. For some, symptoms of PMS are paired with depression, anxiety, and extreme emotional changes. This marks the signs of PMDD, and it can be very serious for women, causing interference with their daily lives. These symptoms tend to get better once the period has begun, but PMDD can occur every month.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a mild to moderate form of chronic depression. Symptoms last for most of the day for many days over the course of two years. Though the feelings of emptiness and sadness may not be as prominent as in someone who has MDD, PDD can still interfere with daily activities. Some refer to PDD as high-functioning depression, as the person may seem to have their life together on the outside, but feel down and low when no one is around.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a mood disorder that affects children beginning before age 10. It is characterized by extreme bouts of irritability and anger outbursts. DMDD does not cause symptoms of depression in children, however, as they age the condition can change into a major depressive disorder or possibly an anxiety disorder.
Specific Forms of Major Depressive Disorder
Some forms of depression come on during certain situations or times of the year. These forms can develop into a depressive disorder or resolve over time with the right treatments. Let’s look at some of the most common.
Prenatal Depression
Prenatal depression involves experiencing depression symptoms during pregnancy. Pregnancy causes numerous changes within a woman’s body, including hormone influxes, physical changes, and the responsibility of a fetus. This can be overwhelming and cause major mental health difficulties. Prenatal depression can develop at any stage of pregnancy and continue for the duration. Women experiencing this condition should talk with their doctor, OB/GYN, or mental health care provider about addressing prenatal depression.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression occurs after a mother has a baby. As with prenatal depression, the woman has to accept the new changes in her body, care for an infant, and attempt to manage the stress of the household. Mental health is crucial during this time, and experiencing postpartum depression can lead to family and individual health concerns. New parents tend to get little to no sleep, and in conjunction with postpartum depression, psychosis can be induced. This is why it is imperative to talk with your care team after giving birth if you are experiencing any form of depression.
Postpartum depression can also affect the paternal parent. Men experience different symptoms than women including increased irritability, loss of motivation, withdrawing from family and friends, and possibly turning to substances to relieve feelings.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Also known as seasonal depression, seasonal affective disorder comes and goes during certain times of the year. For many, it occurs during the fall and winter months because there is less sunlight and fewer opportunities to get out of the house. Symptoms tend to dissipate when the seasons change to spring and summer.
However, some are prone to seasonal affective disorder during the spring and summer months. This could be from experiencing a traumatic event in the past during those times, weather conditions not allowing outside time, or a combination of both.
Atypical Depression
The word atypical means “not represented by a specific group or class.” Therefore, those with atypical depression have similar symptoms of depression but also some that do not match the standard. One symptom is mood reactivity, where a positive interaction causes a temporary boost in mood. A person with atypical depression may also experience rejection sensitivity.
Other Conditions Associated with Depression
Depression can appear alongside other mental health and physical health conditions. Having depression symptoms does not mean the only diagnosis is a depressive disorder, there can be other situations going on.
Bipolar Disorder
Both bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder cause depressive episodes. In bipolar I, episodes cycle between mania and depression. Manic episodes and mixed episodes are more common in this type, but full depressive episodes can occur.
In bipolar II, depressive episodes happen more intensely and last longer. Mania is not as prominent and is referred to as hypomania. Episodes tend to cycle more slowly than in bipolar I, with depressive episodes lasting weeks.
Psychotic Depression
Depression with psychosis involves experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. This can be caused by long-term, untreated major depression or underlying conditions. These include schizophrenia and substance use disorders. If you are experiencing depression with active psychosis symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. This ensures your safety as well as the safety of those around you.
Physical Conditions Related to Depression
Our physical health can cause changes that lead to depression and low mental health. Hypothyroidism, heart disease, diabetes, and more have been linked to depression. Those who experience chronic pain or a chronic illness may also feel depressed due to their condition. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing depression alongside a physical condition.
Treatment-Resistant Depression: What Can Help?
There is no set combination of medications and therapies that treat all forms of depression and heal everyone equally. For some, it can take months to years to find the right combination of medications and coping skill techniques. Some tips to help you in the process include:
- Write down everything: Journaling about your feelings, triggers, good days, bad days, foods you ate, and medications you took will help show patterns in what is working and what isn’t. This can help you and your provider compare what is making depression symptoms worse and better. Medications can be helpful, and journaling about how they are affecting you can help you get to the right combination.
- Be open during therapy: Your therapist cannot read your mind, and opening up about your feelings and experiences can help them help you. If they suggested a technique that didn’t help, let them know so you both can work to develop something else. Constantly agreeing to things that are not working will not be beneficial and can make depression worse.
- Give yourself grace: It is okay to have bad days. Remember that you are a work in progress and that you are trying. Bring up with your care team if bad days are interfering with work or relationships so they can adjust your treatment plan.
Getting Help for Depression in Hillsborough County, FL
No matter what type of depression you are experiencing – major depression, seasonal depression, or any that we talked about above – you deserve to be treated in a caring and respectful environment. Treatment for depression will include daily therapies and conversations with your care team about possible medications. You will learn healthy coping techniques and identify your triggers for depression symptoms. Once treatment is complete, you will have the tools to manage your depression and a team behind you to support you every step of the way.
If you or someone you love is managing a depressive disorder, help is available today. Clean Recovery Centers offers a unique, three-phase approach to mental health care alongside treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders. Each of our locations has a certified, rapid-resolution therapist onsite, providing trauma therapy in a safe environment. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about our treatment offerings.
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