Types Of Depression Disorders

 Depression

Depression or depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition which involves a low mood and loss of interest in activities which can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. People with depression may feel extremely sad, hopeless, and irritable. They may also experience a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, changes in their appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, low energy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. 

There are different types of depression which can develop due to specific circumstances but the most common types are: 

Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder is a type of depression where you experiences low mood or sadness that lasts for at least two weeks. Other symptoms can include fatigue, trouble sleeping or eating, lack of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. It's more than just "feeling blue." It's a serious condition that can make it hard to function in daily life. 

Persistent depressive disorder: persistent depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder is a mild moderate depression that can last at least 2 years. This depression is usually mild or moderate, rather than severe. Most people who have PDD can’t recall when they first became depressed. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) can begin in childhood or in adulthood, No one know why. It appears to be more common in women. It used to be called dysthymic disorder or dysthymia.

      Other Several Types Of Depression include:

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal  affective disorder, also also known as SAD is not considered a separate disorder but is a type of depression that is related with changes in seasons. It typically starts in the falls and continues into the winter months, then goes away during the spring and summer. SAD is thought to be related to the reduced amount of sunlight in the fall and winter months. People with SAD may feel depressed, have low energy, or sleep more than usual. Some people may have trouble concentrating, feel anxious, or crave carbohydrates.  these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. 

Light therapy is a common treatment for SAD. It involves sitting in front of a light box that emits a bright light that's similar to natural outdoor light. The person sits in front of a very bright light box (10,000 lux) every day for about 30 to 45 minutes, usually first thing in the morning, from fall to spring. The light from the box may affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms.  

Situational Depression: Situational depression, also called adjustment disorder with depressed mood. It is a term used to describe symptoms of depression related to stressors. It occurs when symptoms of depression are triggered by a stressful event or change in your life. It is likely to begin soon after the stressful event, or it can occur weeks or months later. It's usually temporary, and symptoms go away within 3 to 6 months. People who are likely to experience situational depression include those who have previously experienced an episode of situational depression or major depression, people who have experienced stressful life events, and people who have a family history of mental health conditions. Risk factors that may make someone more vulnerable to situational depression include social isolation, lack of a strong social support system, financial problems, and other stressful life events. 

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder:  Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent intense temper outbursts in children and adolescents. It's more severe than a "temper tantrum."  

Some studies have shown youths with DMDD to have problems interpreting the social cues and emotional expressions of others. These youths may be especially bad at judging others, showing negative emotional displays, such as feelings of sadness, fearfulness, and anger. They may also misinterpret the emotional displays of others, believing others' benign actions to be hostile or threatening. Consequently, they may be more likely than their peers to act in impulsive and angry ways.

Kids with DMDD have frequent, intense outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. The outbursts can be verbal, like screaming or yelling, or behavioral, like breaking things or hurting someone. The outbursts usually last a long time, sometimes for more than an hour. The kids' actions during the outbursts are often inappropriate or extreme for the situation. These outbursts happen at least three times a week on average. DMDD may be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, psychological, and social factors. Environmental factors, like stressful life events or trauma, can also play a role. Additionally, having other mental health conditions, like ADHD or anxiety can increase the risk of developing DMDD. The primary treatment for DMDD is Psychotherapy and medication.

Atypical Depression: Atypical depression is a type of depression that's similar to major depressive disorder (MDD), but with some distinct differences. The main difference between the two is that people with atypical depression may have periods of increased mood when something positive happens, like a birthday or holiday. They may also have an increased appetite and need for sleep. Another difference is that people with atypical depression may have increased appetite and increased need for sleep, while people with MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) typically have decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. The other symptoms, like feeling sad or hopeless, are similar. Other than those differences, both atypical depression and MDD can be very serious conditions that impact a person's ability to function normally in daily life. There are several different treatment options for atypical depression; Antidepressant medications, like SSRIs, are the first-line treatment for this condition. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is another treatment option.

Double Depression Or Dysthymia: Double depression. Also known as "dysthymia", it's a chronic form of depression, lasting for at least two years. It's less severe than major depression (MDD), but it's more difficult to treat. People with double depression often feel tired and have low self-esteem. They may also feel hopeless, pessimistic about the future and have trouble looking on the bright side. They may struggle to concentrate or make decisions. They feel "stuck" in their lives, without hope of improvement. Some other symptoms include trouble sleeping, frequent crying  and frequent physical pains, like headaches or stomachaches. There are many different possible causes of double depression, One is the stress that comes from living with major depression for an extended period of time. This can create feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Genetics and family history also play a role, and people with a family history of depression are more likely to develop double depression. Other possible causes include childhood trauma, ongoing stress, or a co-occurring mental health condition. A combination of medication and therapy is typically used to treat double depression.  

We've covered some common types of depression disorders. I'd be talking about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Stay tuned for more information.

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