Individuals have unique experiences when it comes to their mental health conditions, including depression. Furthermore, there are several types of depression, each with distinctive symptoms. Some conditions come and go while others persist a lifetime.
Certain conditions are discussed more frequently than others. Many people are aware of clinical depression but have never heard of dysthymic disorder. Also, certain conditions have multiple names, which can make it more confusing.
When a person reaches out to arlington mental health services, they may not know what to say. All a person needs to know is that they feel depressed. The team will help them figure out which type of depression they are dealing with and how best to treat it. What might this diagnosis be?
Major Depression
Major depression goes by many names. A person might simply call it depression, or they could refer to it as unipolar or clinical depression. All refer to the same disorder. The individual feels sad or down most of the time and often loses interest in things they love. They may also be anxious.
Major depression comes in many forms, including psychotic and postnatal, and it can be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms must be present most days and persist for a minimum of two weeks before a doctor will diagnose major depression. Furthermore, the condition must have a substantial impact on various aspects of the individual’s life.
Melancholia
Individuals who have depression that manifests in physical symptoms receive a diagnosis of melancholia. They tend to move slowly and feel sad or down a majority of the time. These individuals are often unable to enjoy any aspect of life.
Psychotic Depression
Some individuals experience psychosis when they are depressed. They may no longer be in touch with reality and struggle with hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. They might see or hear things that others cannot, or they may have false beliefs. Some individuals believe everyone is out to get them.
Childbirth-Related Depression
Women are at higher risk of depression when they are expecting or in the months following the birth of their child. Globally, about 10% of pregnant women and those who have recently given birth experience depression. Postpartum or postnatal depression is often diagnosed during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth. This type of depression goes by many names.
If the woman is diagnosed with depression while she is pregnant, doctors refer to this as antenatal or prenatal depression. When depression appears in the year after she gives birth, the diagnosis is postnatal or postpartum depression. Perinatal depression refers to any depression that occurs at any time throughout the pregnancy or in the year following birth.
Women must understand that perinatal depression differs from the baby blues. Eighty percent of women develop the baby blues in the hours and days following childbirth. Hormonal changes in the body following childbirth may lead to crying and feelings of being overwhelmed, but these feelings pass quickly as hormonal levels balance out. Women who have the baby blues shouldn’t automatically assume they will develop depression.
Dysthymic Disorder
Many people know dysthymic disorder as persistent depressive disorder. The symptoms of this disorder are similar to those seen with major depression, but they aren’t as severe. The person must struggle with a low mood for a minimum of two years before receiving this diagnosis. They may experience fatigue, low self-esteem, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Their daily functioning is often significantly impacted.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder may also be known as manic-depressive disorder. Individuals with this disorder cycle between periods of mania and periods of depression. They often have normal moods between these cycles, so this disorder can be challenging to diagnose.
During manic periods, they experience a sense of well-being and have an abundance of energy. They may speak rapidly, and their thoughts might race. However, they may find it challenging to concentrate and become frustrated and irritable. They may also experience psychosis during manic periods.
This condition is hard to diagnose because people rarely seek treatment when they are in a manic phase. They need to share all symptoms with their doctor, including those during manic phases. Years often pass before a person receives the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Individuals with a family history of this condition should alert their medical team. They should also note any changes in symptoms during periods of stress or conflict.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Some people have less severe symptoms of bipolar disorder that last for two years or more. The manic and depressive cycles are shorter, and the person might feel normal for a month or two between manic and depressive phases.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that typically occurs in conjunction with the change in seasons. Many people become depressed when the days get shorter and the temperature drops. They lack energy and sleep more. The person might crave carbohydrates and eat more than they should, leading to weight gain.
Diagnosing Depression
A person might wonder if they have depression when they read the symptoms that come with this condition. Receiving a diagnosis can be challenging at times. Anyone experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above or other signs associated with this condition should schedule an appointment with their doctor.
Doctors conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the patient and discuss the symptoms they are experiencing. They complete lab tests to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms and will also conduct depression screening tests. With this information, they can not only diagnose a person with depression, but they can also determine which type of depression the person is suffering from.
Treating Depression
Medical professionals create treatment plans that address the specific type of depression the individual has. Many patients receive medication to treat their depression, and they also take part in therapy. Many people find lifestyle changes helpful as well. For example, exercise may help mood, and a healthy approach to eating can improve energy and focus. Family support and getting enough sleep are also often important.
Getting help when you need it is important. Starting the conversation can be difficult, but it is worth it to be able to enjoy moments in life again.
Please note that this article’s information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. If you recognize any signs or symptoms mentioned here in yourself or a loved one, please consult a professional medical doctor or other healthcare practitioners, like a psychologist or counselor, for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION via Pexels.