Understanding Depression and Depressive Disorders

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes consistent changes in how a person feels, thinks, and functions in their daily life. 

It can involve symptoms such as: 

• Ongoing sadness
• Hopelessness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble Sleeping

Depression can range from mild to severe depression and may involve different symptoms and durations from person to person. A doctor or mental health professional can evaluate the individual and can determine a diagnosis. They can also guide necessary treatment. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, our team at Alta Health can help. Reach out today to learn more. 

What Are the Four Major Types of Depression?

The four major types of depression include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and prenatal depression. 

How Are Depression Types Diagnosed?

Depression types are diagnosed by evaluating a person’s symptoms, their duration, their severity, and how they are impacting their daily functioning. 

A mental health professional will also consider the timing and pattern of symptoms and check for other conditions that may resemble depression, such as bipolar disorder. An accurate diagnosis is important because it helps determine what sort of medication or evidence-based therapies will be most effective. 

Major Depressive Disorders

What Is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that involves persistent depressive symptoms that have a major impact on daily functioning. 

A major depressive disorder will typically last for at least two weeks and can vary in severity from person to person. Treatment is individualized and may include therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and other evidence-based approaches based on a person’s specific needs and situation. 

What Are the Symptoms of Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression can cause persistent cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Common symptoms may include: 

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in usual hobbies
• Fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Thoughts of death or suicide

What Is a Major Depressive Episode?

A major depressive episode is a period of at least two weeks that involves a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest, along with other symptoms that can cause severe distress and interfere with daily functioning. 

Persistent and Chronic Forms of Depression

What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a chronic mood disorder characterized by a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years.

Symptoms of this disorder can fluctuate over time and become more or less severe. However, because these symptoms are long-lasting, they can have a major impact on relationships, work, and overall quality of life. 

What Is Dysthymia?

Dysthymia is a former term that was used for a chronic form of depression that is now referred to as persistent depressive disorder (PDD).

How Is Persistent Depressive Disorder Different From Major Depression?

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is different from major depression due to its duration and pattern of symptoms. 

Symptoms can overlap, and someone with PDD may experience episodes of major depression as well. Because of this, it is important to be evaluated by a mental health professional in order to get an accurate diagnosis. 

Seasonal and Hormonal-Related Depression

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. 

Most people who struggle with this disorder will start to notice their symptoms in the fall or winter months and experience relief in the spring and summer months. While it’s not known exactly what causes this disorder, it is believed that reduced exposure to daylight may have an effect on circadian rhythms and brain chemicals. This can influence mood regulation and serotonin levels. 

Common symptoms may include fatigue, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, persistent low mood, and trouble sleeping. 

How Does Light Therapy Help Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Light therapy can help treat seasonal affective disorder by providing exposure to bright light. 

For some people, this can help regulate circadian rhythms affected by reduced daylight in the fall and winter months. Light therapy may be able to improve low mood, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms associated with seasonal depression. 

What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder that causes severe emotional and physical symptoms before a woman menstruates. 

It is considered more severe than typical premenstrual syndrome and may lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. For many women, symptoms are first noticed during the final week before menstruation and improve within several days after a period begins. 

Treatment can include lifestyle changes, therapy, hormonal approaches, or medications such as SSRIs. 

How Are PMS and Depression Connected?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and depression can have the same symptoms, but PMS is tied to the menstrual cycle while depressive disorders can persist independently of it. 

Some people who have already been diagnosed with depression may notice their symptoms get worse before their period. When premenstrual mood symptoms are severe, consistently occur with the menstrual cycle, and have a major impact on daily functioning, professional help may be needed. 

What Is Perinatal Depression?

Perinatal depression is depression that occurs during pregnancy or after giving birth and can affect mood, behavior, thinking, and daily functioning. 

Depression that develops during pregnancy is commonly called prenatal depression, while depression after giving birth is commonly referred to as postpartum depression. 

What Is Prenatal and Postnatal Depression?

Prenatal depression occurs during pregnancy, while postnatal depression develops after giving birth. 

Both conditions fall under perinatal depression and can lead to symptoms of persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep. Both of these conditions can interfere with daily functioning. 

How Is Postpartum Depression Different From the Baby Blues?

Postpartum depression is more persistent and severe than the temporary emotional changes associated with the “baby blues.” 

For many women, the “baby blues” involve irritability, anxiety, tearfulness, or mood swings shortly after childbirth. These symptoms typically improve within around two weeks. 

Postpartum depression lasts longer and can cause more significant disturbances to a woman’s daily life and functioning. 

Depression With Additional Symptoms or Features

What Is Atypical Depression?

Atypical depression refers to a depressive presentation in which a person’s mood can temporarily improve in response to positive events, a feature known as mood reactivity. 

What Is Psychotic Depression?

Psychotic depression is a severe version of major depressive disorder in which a person experiences depression, along with psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations or delusions. 

This can involve false perceptions or false beliefs not based in reality. This condition can affect judgment, functioning, and the overall safety of the individual. Therefore, seeking the appropriate mental health support as soon as possible is very critical. 

How Can Psychosis Affect Depression?

Psychosis can make depression even worse by causing hallucinations or delusions. 

This can make it difficult for the individual to determine what is reality, potentially causing them to experience intense feelings of guilt, fear, worthlessness, and hopelessness. It can have a major impact on their overall functioning. 

What Are Hallucinations and Delusions in Depression?

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that a person may experience without any external stimuli, while delusions are strongly held false beliefs. 

Someone with psychotic depression could experience both hallucinations and delusions. An example of this could involve hearing voices that others don’t hear, or holding strong beliefs not based in reality. 

Can Someone Have More Than One Type of Depression?

Yes, depression can involve overlapping diagnoses, patterns, and features. 

These symptoms can look different over time. An example of this could include someone with persistent depression experiencing an episode of major depression. An episode of depression may include atypical, anxious, seasonal, or psychotic features. 

Bipolar Depression and Related Mood Disorders

What Is Bipolar Depression?

Bipolar depression is a depressive episode that occurs as part of bipolar disorder, which is a mood disorder that involves depressive episodes as well as periods of mania or hypomania. 

Bipolar depression and major depressive disorder can look very similar. Therefore, an individual must undergo a comprehensive mental evaluation so that a proper diagnosis can be reached. 

How Is Bipolar Disorder Different From Depression?

Bipolar disorder is different from major depressive disorder because it includes episodes of mania or hypomania, along with depressive episodes. 

Both conditions have similar symptoms. However, major depression does not involve a history of manic or hypomanic episodes. 

What Are Mania and Hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are both periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood, accompanied by increased energy or activity, with mania being more severe. 

Some common symptoms may include:

• A decreased need for sleep 
• Racing thoughts 
• Increased confidence 
• Rapid speech
• Impulsive decisions 
• Distractability 

Mania can lead to major impairment and can involve psychosis. It may require hospitalization. While hypomania does not cause the same level of impairment, it can lead to changes in mood and functioning. 

Why Was Bipolar Disorder Previously Called Manic-Depressive Illness?

In the past, bipolar disorder was called manic-depressive illness because the condition can involve episodes of both mania and depression. 

Now, the term bipolar disorder is used instead because it describes the greater spectrum of symptoms and forms of the condition. This includes hypomania, rather than full manic episodes. 

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a mood disorder that occurs in childhood that involves persistent irritability and frequent, angry outbursts. 

This condition is diagnosed in children and adolescents ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old. Symptoms emerge before the age of 10. It can have a major impact on a young person’s ability to function at home, school, and with their peers. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Depression

What Causes Different Types of Depression?

Different types of depression can develop through a combination of biological, psychological, hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors. 

What Factors Increase the Risk of Developing Depression?

Some factors that may increase the risk of depression include family history, trauma, chronic stress, certain medical conditions, major life changes, and pre-existing mental health concerns. 

How Do Genetics, Brain Chemistry, and Life Events Affect Depression?

Genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences can interact to influence a person’s risk of developing depression.

For example, having a family history of depression may increase a person’s vulnerability. Additionally, changes in brain systems involving neurotransmitters like serotonin may also have an effect on mood regulation. 

Can Other Mental Health Conditions like Anxiety Increase the Risk of Depression?

Yes, other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorder, can occur alongside depression and may increase a person’s vulnerability to depressive symptoms. 

Symptoms of Different Types of Depression

What Are the Common Symptoms of Depression?

Common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, and changes in thinking, appetite, or sleep. 

How Can Depression Affect Sleep, Appetite, and Energy Levels?

Depression can disrupt sleep, appetite, and energy, sometimes causing major changes from a person’s usual patterns. 

How Does Depression Affect Daily Life?

Depression can make it very difficult to manage work, relationships, self-care, and everyday responsibilities. 

Diagnosing Different Types of Depression

How Do Mental Health Professionals Diagnose Depression?

Mental health professionals diagnose depression by evaluating a person’s symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, their severity, and their impact on daily functioning. 

What Role Does the DSM-5 Play in Diagnosing Depression?

The DSM-5 provides standardized diagnostic criteria that mental health professionals use to identify and distinguish depressive disorders. 

When Should Someone Seek Help for Depression?

Someone should seek professional help when depression symptoms persist, worsen, or begin interfering with work, self-care, relationships, or other areas of life. 

Treatment Options for Depression

What Treatments Help Different Types of Depression?

Treatment for different types of depression may include psychotherapy, medication, or other evidence-based approaches based on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms. 

How Does Psychotherapy Help Treat Depression?

Psychotherapy can help by addressing patterns of thinking, behavior, emotions, and life experiences that may contribute to or reinforce symptoms. 

How Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Help With Depression?

CBT helps treat depression by identifying and changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. 

Are Antidepressants Used for All Types of Depression?

No, antidepressants are not appropriate for every type of depression. 

Medication decisions depend on the specific diagnosis and the individual’s unique needs. 

When Are Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Other Treatments Used?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is usually considered for severe or treatment-resistant depression. 

Managing Depression Symptoms Day to Day

How Can You Cope With Depression Symptoms?

Coping with depression can involve sticking to healthy routines, staying connected with others, managing stress effectively, and staying consistent with treatment. 

How To Shower When Depressed?

When depression makes taking a shower feel overwhelming, it can help to break the task into small, manageable steps. 

What Daily Habits Can Support Depression Recovery?

Some daily habits that support depression recovery include getting consistent sleep, sticking to regular meal times, staying physically active, connecting with supportive people, and practicing healthy stress management techniques.