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Depression Type.
Depression is not a one-size-fits-all illness. The seasonal
type of depression differs distinctly from the bipolar type of
depression, which is distinctly different from the dysthymia type
of depression. How a type of depression is treated in an adult
varies greatly from treatment in a type of depression in a child
or teen.
Further confusing the depression type issue are the number of
labels used to describe a type of depression; bipolar, unipolar,
clinical, major, seasonal affective, dysthymic... For the purpose of addressing as many depression types as
possible, the type of depression is broken down into many
different classifications. We encourage you to read about each
type of depression that pertains to you or your loved one, as each
type of depression possesses unique characteristics.
It is important to note that while antidepressants are often
the first line of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most
types of depression. Discuss natural alternatives like
Deprex with
your health care provider before using prescription medications
with potentially serious and life-threatening side effects.
Type of Depression by Demographics:
Type of Depression by Cause:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder/Winter Depression: Seasonal
Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression and SAD, is
very common in parts of the country that have cold, cloudy winters
with little sunshine. Lower serotonin levels and higher melatonin
levels are thought to be the culprits in this type of depression.
- Postpartum Depression: Wildly fluctuating
hormones during pregnancy and childbirth cause "Baby Blues" in
about half of all new mothers, about 10 percent of women will
experience Post Partum Depression (PPD), a type of depression that
worsens instead of getting better after childbirth.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Premenstrual Dysphoric
Disorder (PMDD)
differs from PMS in severity. While most women
experience some premenstrual symptoms of irritability or depressed
mood to a greater or lesser degree, the about four percent of
women suffering from PMDD have severe symptoms of irritability
and/or depression for a week or two prior to or during
menstruation.
- Holiday Depression: For some, the holiday season are not one
of joy and cheer but of loneliness, anxiety and self-evaluation.
- Workplace Depression:
As an employer, you have a vested interest in helping your
employees overcome depression because their depression
may lead to a lethargic attitude, poor customer service and costly
mistakes.
Type of Depression by Clinical Definition:
- Clinical Depression: Clinical depression is the broad-based
definition for any depression that is severe enough to require
treatment. Clinical depression is also
referred to as unipolar depression,
major depression,
severe depression or major depressive disorder.
- Dysthymia: The characteristics of this type of depression are
chronic but mild depression, as compared to a single severe
episode.
- Atypical Depression: This type of depression commonly affects
women and is marked by periods of depression that appear to
improve and then worsen. Overeating, hypersensitivity, panic
attacks and oversleeping are characteristics of this type of
depression.
- Bipolar (Manic) Depression: Bipolar depression is known by a
number of names; bipolar disorder, manic-depression, manic
depressive disorder. The bipolar type of depression is marked by
high highs and low lows. A brain chemistry imbalance is widely
thought to cause this up and down roller coaster of emotions.
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