Common Types of Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders tend to manifest differently in different people and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Typically, they are categorized by the particular symptoms that are most prominent. Some depressive disorders are the result of life events, some are caused by chemical changes in your brain, and others, such as postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder, appear at a specific time of life.

Common types of depressive disorders

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is the most common type of depression and the classic type one usually associates with the term. To be diagnosed with it you need to feel intense sadness or gloominess most of the time and to have exhibited five or more of the following symptoms on most days for a period of two weeks or longer.

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
• Changes in appetite that lead to weight loss or gain.
• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much.
• Feeling physically or mentally restless and agitated, or sluggish and slowed down.
• Lack of energy and fatigue.
• Trouble staying focused or making decisions.
• Feeling worthless.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

Persistent depressive disorder, formerly known as dysthymia, refers to a type of chronic depression that lasts two years or longer. Symptoms are similar to the symptoms of major depressive disorder but are typically less severe. People with PDD may experience brief periods when they do not feel depressed, but these periods only last for two months or less.

Psychotic depression

Psychotic depression is characterized by symptoms of major depressive disorder accompanied by a loss of touch with reality, called psychosis. This can include hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia.

Bipolar depression

People with bipolar disease typically experience mood swings that alternate between periods of feeling high and periods of extreme lows. Symptoms exhibited during this depressive stage are similar to those of major depressive disorder.

Postpartum depression (PPD)

Postpartum depression is a depressive disorder that can develop during pregnancy or the first few months after giving birth. Symptoms are thought to be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy that precipitate changes in the brain and nervous system. It is more severe and lasts longer than the baby blues.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern and that is thought to be related to variations in light exposure in different seasons of the year. Typically, a person with SAD will exhibit symptoms of depression during the shorter, darker days of winter, but feel fine in the spring and summer when the days stay light longer. It is thought to be triggered by a disruption in the body’s normal circadian rhythm, which is influenced by light entering through the eyes.

Atypical Depressive Disorder

Commonly referred to as depressive disorder with atypical features, atypical depressive disorder is a subtype of major depressive disorder in which you experience a brief boost in your mood, and your symptoms are temporarily improved, when something positive happens.

Reaching out for help

If you or your loved one may be struggling with depression, professional help is needed. If you are looking for help or a deeper understanding of depressive disorders, reach out to us at Orange County Christian Counseling today. We will set up an appointment with one of the faith-based counselors in Orange County, California to help you on your journey in combating depression.