Depression

There are many different types of depression. Though these conditions differ, they share commonalities like mood low mood or irritability paired with changes in behavior and thinking that serve to reduce a person’s ability to function at their expected level.The main differences among depressive disorders are how long they last, the timing of symptoms, and the events or situations that trigger symptoms to emerge.

Five types of depression and depressive disorders include:¹

1. Major depressive disorder (MDD): this is the condition most people think about when considering depression. MDD is marked by five or more symptoms of depression lasting for at least two weeks. It can range in intensity from mild to severe.
2. Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): rather than a period of depression that recurs and remits, persistent depressive disorder represents a more stable and consistent level of depression. Symptoms may not be as intense as other disorders, but the duration will be very uncomfortable (at least two years in adults and one year in children).
3. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): changing symptoms that accompany menstruation are expected, but premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs when the repeated hormonal changes create a drastic shift in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In many cases, these symptoms make it impossible for a person to maintain relationships and responsibilities.
4. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): as a disorder that targets children and teens, DMDD presents as anger and irritability more than sadness and low motivation. Kids with this condition may frequently tantrum and engage in unwanted outbursts.
5. Other common depressive disorders: people may also experience depressive symptoms triggered by prior drug or medication use, while others will note other symptoms of depression that do not meet the criteria for a full depressive diagnosis. Sometimes depression is triggered by outside sources, while other times it is prompted by internal reasons (i.e., endogenous & exogenous depression).

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All depressive disorders have separate criteria to indicate their presence. A condition like persistent depressive disorder will focus on the length of symptoms, DMDD targets increased irritability, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder notes mood’s interaction with hormone changes—experts gather this information to determine which diagnosis is accurate.

Classic depression symptoms belong to major depressive disorder or a major depressive episode, and include:

• Depressed mood with feelings of emptiness, sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
• Decreased pleasure and interest in previously enjoyed activities
• A noteworthy weight change or a significant change in appetite
• Sleeping too much or too little throughout the day
• Feeling or looking sped up or slowed down in behaviors
• Loss of energy
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Thinking about death, dying, or suicide (i.e., suicidal ideation)

Not only does a person need to display these symptoms, but they need to do so for most days during a two-week period. Additionally, these depressive qualities need to drastically impact the person’s daily functioning at home, work, or school to qualify as depression.

Some depressive symptoms may stem from medical health issues and complaints like cardiovascular concerns and hormone irregularities, so anyone experiencing new or worsening symptoms should seek a full medical evaluation. This assessment can help rule out any risk of physiological complications.