Mental Health Basics


TYPES OF DEPRESSION


Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with
other illnesses such as heart disease. This blurb briefly describes
three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within
these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their
severity, and persistence.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that
interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once
pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur
only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic
symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from
feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major
depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called
manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of
depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood
changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood
switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When
in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the
symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the
individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of
energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in
ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the
individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that
might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania,
left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.





























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