Types of depression
|
Tweet
|
|
Depressive disorders come in different forms. There are several different diagnoses for depression, mostly determined by the intensity of the symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and the specific cause of the symptoms, if that is known.
Psychology Information Online provides information on the following depressive disorders. Follow the title link for more information about each type of depression:
| Depression |
Major Depression (depressive illness) is a serious condition that result in extreme fatigue, sleep problems and eventually an inability to function. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be a malfunction of brain neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that modulate moods. Major Depression is usually treated with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants which moderate or correct chemical imbalances in the brain. The group of antidepressants most frequently prescribed is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Examples:
|
- Major Depression - This is the most serious type of depression, in terms of number of symptoms and severity of symptoms, but there are significant individual differences in the symptoms and severity. You do not need to feel suicidal to have a major depression, and you do not need to have a history of hospitalizations either, although both of these factors are present in some people with major depression. There is no official diagnosis of “moderate depression.”
- Dysthymic Disorder - This refers to a low to moderate level of depression that persists for at least two years, and often longer. While the symptoms are not as severe as a major depression, they are more enduring and resistant to treatment. Some people with dysthymia develop a major depression at some time during the course of their depression.
- Unspecified Depression - This category is used to help researchers who are studying other specific types of depression, and do not want their data confounded with marginal diagnoses. It includes people with a serious depression, but not quite severe enough to have a diagnosis of a major depression. It also includes people with chronic, moderate depression, which has not been present long enough for a diagnosis of a Dysthymic disorder. (You get the idea!)
- Adjustment Disorder, with Depression - This category describes depression that occurs in response to a major life stressor or crisis.
- Bipolar Depression - This type includes both high and low mood swings, as well as a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other depressions.
--------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to our Online Pharmacy
The online prescription medication store you can trust. » »
---------------------------------------------------------
Revision date: July 7, 2011
Last revised: by Janet A. Staessen, MD, PhD
 |
 |
 |
 | ||
| RELATED STORIES: | ||
| Comments | [ + Post Your Own ] |
Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]
We are pleased to let readers post comments about an article. Please increase the credibility of your post by including your full name and email.
All comments are reviewed by our editors before they are posted on the site. Just keep it clean, kids.
- Full Story - - »»»
State tobacco prevention funding lacking
- Full Story - - »»»
C-Section Babies Face High Obesity Risk
- Full Story - - »»»
Scientists turn skin cells into beating heart muscle
- Full Story - - »»»
Too many people get angioplasties, study suggests
- Full Story - - »»»
Comparing Birth Control Pill Types
- Full Story - - »»»
Viewers’ family background affects how they react to MTV shows ‘16 and Pregnant,’ ‘Teen Mom’
- Full Story - - »»»
