What is Depression? Types, Treatment & Importance

Types of Depression Disorders

Depression is classified into many categories based on the symptoms and causes. Often, there is no evident cause for these events. They can stay far longer in some persons than in others for no apparent cause. 

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

When people talk of clinical depression, they usually mean major depressive disorder (MDD). The symptoms of major depression (clinical depression) are severe or overwhelming and linger for more than two weeks. These symptoms make it difficult to go about your daily routine.

Major depression disorder can also be referred to as:

• Clinical depression
• Unipolar depression

People who suffer from clinical depression have symptoms for most of the day, every day.

It has little to do with what’s going on around you, as with many mental health issues. You can have a wonderful family, friends, and a beautiful job all at the same time. You might have a life that people lust after and still be depressed.

Even if there isn’t a clear cause for your depression, that doesn’t mean it isn’t genuine or that you can ignore it.

Major depression is a serious form of depression that manifests itself in the following ways:

• Anguish, melancholy, or unhappiness
• Lethargy and exhaustion, 
• Changes in appetite 
• Unexplained aches and pains 
• Insomnia and hypersomnia
• A lack of interest in a previously enjoyable activity
• Inability to make decisions due to a lack of concentration, memory issues, and inability to concentrate
• Feelings of insignificance or hopelessness
• Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide are persistent sources of worry and anxiety

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Dysthymia, now recognized as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of chronic depression that lasts for at least two years and lasts for more days than otherwise. 

People may have brief intervals where they are not depressed, but this respite only lasts two months or fewer. While not as severe as major depressive illness, the symptoms are widespread and long-lasting.

Symptoms of PDD include:

• Suffering with sadness
• Loss of enthusiasm and motivation
• Irritability and rage
• Guilty feelings 
• Poor self-esteem
• Sleeping problems (inability to fall or stay asleep)
• Feelings of despondency due to excessive sleeping
• Tiredness and a lack of energy
• Appetite fluctuations
• Concentration issues

Medication and psychotherapy are frequently used in the treatment of persistent depressive disorder. Despite the fact that it is a long-term depression, the gravity of symptoms can improve for months before increasing again. Some persons experience significant depressive episodes before or during their persistent depressive disorder. This is referred to as “double depression.

Symptoms and Causes of Depression

Although depression might strike only once in a lifetime, most people have several episodes. Symptoms may occur most of the day, virtually every day, during these periods, and may include:

• Sadness, weeping, emptiness, or a sense of hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, impatience, or frustration might occur.
• Loss of pleasure or interest in most or all usual activities
• Insomnia or sleeping too much 
• Exhaustion and a lack of energy
• Change in appetite and weight fluctuations
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness are all symptoms of anxiety
• Slowing down one’s thoughts, speech, or body motions
• Feelings of inadequacy or remorse, ruminating on past failures or blaming oneself
• Problems in thinking, concentrating, making judgments, and recalling information
• Suicidal thoughts, attempts, or attempts at suicide are common
• Physical issues that aren’t explained, such as back pain or migraines

Many persons with depression have significant symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day engagements, such as work, school, social activities, or interpersonal relationships. Some people may be dissatisfied or wretched in general without knowing why.

The causes of depression are unknown. However, the following may play a part

• Differences in biology, female-born bodies are more likely.
• The chemistry of the brain. A chemical imbalance can lead to depressive disorders
• Hormones. Changes in the body’s hormonal levels may have a role in the development or onset of depression.
• Genetics. A family history of mental health increases your odds.