types of depression??

Question

how many types of depression are there?and how do u kno what type of depression u have?

Answer 1

Everyone feels sad from time to time, but depression is an illness characterised by severe and prolonged feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. One in four women and one in six men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives.

There are many different types of depression, including major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness), dysthymic disorder, cyclothymic disorders, postnatal depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Depression is a complicated illness, which can involve a number of contributing factors – genes, environment, diet, lifestyle, brain chemicals, psychology and personality.

Some ‘depression’ is not an illness
Remember, it’s normal to be ‘depressed’ when you experience some major disaster or have suffered a severe loss. However, you should see your doctor if you are depressed for more than two weeks.

Symptoms
Generally, the symptoms of depression include:

Feeling sad, hopeless and despairing
A loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities
Loss of appetite or weight
Loss of sex drive
Sleeping problems, such as an inability to get to sleep or early waking
Feeling physically tired all the time
Concentration difficulties
Feeling guilty and worthless
Feeling that life isn’t worth living.
Risk factors
Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of physical, emotional, biochemical, psychological, genetic and social factors. It is often impossible to track down and identify each contributing element. Some of the risk factors may include:
A life-changing event, such as the loss of a loved one or the arrival of a new baby
Chronic illness
Certain medications, including some high blood pressure drugs
Alcohol abuse
A history of child abuse
Sustained problems at home or at work
Physical trauma
Other family members with a prior history of depression
Chronic stress or anxiety.
Different types
Some of the different types of depression include:
Major depression
Bipolar disorder or manic depressive illness
Dysthymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Postnatal depression (PND)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Major depression
A person suffering from major depression experiences persistent low moods or sadness, or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities over at least two weeks. Not everyone with major depression experiences the same symptoms, but the more severe the depression, the more symptoms are experienced. Major depression has a severe impact on daily life, interfering with work, school or social activities.

People with major depression may feel despair and hopelessness, their energy levels may be extremely low and they might find it hard to motivate themselves to do even the simplest of daily tasks. People with major depression also commonly experience low self-esteem and thoughts of death and suicide. It is important to get immediate help to stay safe when having thoughts about suicide.

Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression. A person with bipolar disorder can have moods that swing between extreme highs, where they feel invincible, to paralysing lows where they feel complete despair.

This psychiatric illness can be mild, moderate or severe. During the manic phase, the person is optimistic and buoyed by exaggerated feelings of wellbeing. Their mind is overactive and they need very little sleep but, while they have plenty of energy, they lack concentration. Work and study may suffer.

During the depressive phase, the person feels despairing and may contemplate suicide.

Dysthymic disorder
Dysthymic disorder is a long-term or chronic disorder where low mood is experienced for most of the day, on more days than not, over a period of at least two years. Someone with dysthymia may experience fatigue, sleeping and eating problems, and be plagued by low self-esteem, guilt and negative thinking. Cognitive difficulties include concentration and memory problems.

Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is when a person has mild and alternating mood swings of elation and depression occurring over a long time period. Because the mood swings are mild, and the elation is often enjoyable, frequently people with cyclothymic disorder do not seek medical help.

The periods of elation and depression can last for lengthy periods, such as a few months. Often, a person with cyclothymic disorder has a relative with bipolar disorder, or they may develop bipolar disorder themselves.

Postnatal depression (PND)
Around one in eight new mothers experience depression following the birth of a child, and this is known as postnatal depression (PND). Usually, the depression begins during the first year of parenthood, and ranges from mild to severe. Contributing factors may include:
The hormonal upheaval of pregnancy, birth and lactation
Prolonged or complicated labour
Physical exhaustion from broken sleep
Lack of support, both emotional and practical
Loss of independence
Financial pressures
Altered relationships with partner, family and friends
A personal or family history of depression
A history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Perfectionist or anxious personality.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Depression is more common in the winter months and in the Northern Hemisphere, which suggests to some researchers that brain chemistry is affected by sunlight exposure. This is often called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Some studies have shown that light hitting the back of the eye (retina) stimulates the brain to make chemicals that lift a person’s mood.

Apart from depression, other characteristics of SAD include eating more and gaining weight, excessive sleeping and withdrawing from others. Usually, a person with SAD comes out of their ‘hibernation’ in the spring.

Diagnostic methods
Depression can be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms, such as fatigue, mimic those of physical illness. Diagnostic methods may include:
Physical examination – to check for any underlying physical illnesses.
Medical history – for example, asking about prior use of various drugs (such as high blood pressure medications, steroids and alcohol), which can cause depression as a side effect.
Detailed questioning – for example, asking questions about the severity and duration of the depression, any triggering life events and so on.
Psychological tests – to further help identify the type of depression and its contributing factors.
Treatment options
Treatment for depression depends on the type, cause and severity. It is important that you discuss treatment options with your doctor and follow their advice, particularly about combining different treatments. Treatment may include:
Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal relationship therapy
Antidepressant medications, including tricyclic antidepressant drugs and serotonin re-uptake blockers
Medications for treating bipolar disorder, including mood stabilising drugs such as lithium carbonate
Regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet
Stress management techniques
Natural therapies such as St John’s Wort (some natural therapies can be harmful, and cannot be taken with certain medications, so always consult a doctor)
Addressing any contributing problems, such as relationship difficulties
Counselling, including psychotherapy
In the case of SAD, bright light therapy (BLT) may be used to stimulate the brain to make mood-enhancing chemicals
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in cases of severe, life-threatening depression that don’t respond to other forms of treatment
Hospitalisation, in the case of very severe depression, threatened suicide or suicide attempt.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Your local community health centre
Find a GP near you who specialises in mental health issues through beyondblue’s website at www.beyondblude.org.au
SANE Mental Health Information Line Tel. [phone] (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm EST)
Lifeline Tel. 131 114
Mental Health Foundation Tel. [phone] (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm EST)
Things to remember
Depression is a complicated illness that involves a number of factors, such as genes, environment, diet, lifestyle, brain chemicals, psychology and personality.
The different types of depression include major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, cyclothymic disorder, postnatal depression and seasonal affective disorder.
Always seek help if you feel depressed.

Answer 2

There are many different forms depression can take, but all of these forms can be put into 3 major categories, which are the 3 major factors causing depression: Biological, Genetic, or Environmental.

The site below offers the best analysis of depression, its symptoms, causes and treatments.

Answer 3

This doesn't answer your question directly; however I hope it will be helpful. There is depression due to a reaction of a negative situation. A chemical imbalance. I'm sure there are others. It depends on the symptoms that you have to what depression you are suffering from.

Answer 4

I agree that it appears like bipolar. You might also have ADD, such a lot individuals with bipolar do (I do). You might also have borderline persona ailment. You suppose lonely at all times, nugatory, you dont desire to be on your own. Terrible complications, backaches, your knees or bones anguish. It is all a side of it. Please point out this in your surgeon. Also make certain to inform them approximately your mother considering you're making all of it up. That places you at an much more vunerable function. It makes it worse. She demands to be there for you aiding you, now not making it worse. Tell her to give up and that it makes it worse whilst she says the ones matters to you. Tell her you simply desire to suppose usual, and to go away you on my own, you simply desire aid.

Answer 5

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