What are the Different Types of Depression by Symptoms?

What are the Different Types of Depression by Symptoms?

Types of depression

Depression is diagnosed by examining a person's behavior and assessing their mental state. Many people don't realize that there are different types of depression. Medically, different types of depression have been diagnosed and identified based on the symptoms of depression shown by people.

Based on their symptoms, the following paragraphs contain a list of the

Different types of depression

Agitated depression

Symptoms include mental and physical restlessness, irritability, restlessness and insomnia. These symptoms are the opposite of most other types of depression.

Anxiety Depression

Panic attacks are a common symptom of this type of depression. The person will also suffer from social phobia and have panic attacks. Some types of stress disorders are also considered symptoms of this type of depression.

Atypical depression

Symptoms such as unusual weight gain with increased appetite along with mood swings are common in people affected by this type of depression. Other symptoms include drowsiness, heaviness in the limbs, and fear of rejection.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression

This can be seen by a person's extreme mood swings. Happy moments include a feeling of ecstasy, insomnia, an urge to speak and increased activity and overconfidence. This can last a few hours or for days together. However, the person may change suddenly and inexplicably.

Catatonic depression

The person is insensitive to their surroundings and may neglect necessary tasks or will appear aimless. Symptoms similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which include repetitive actions, are part of the symptoms of this type of depression.

Chronic depression or dysthymia or dysthymic depression

The affected person remains depressed for almost two years. Disturbed eating and sleeping habits are easily recognizable in the affected person. The person also suffers from a feeling of hopelessness, fatigue and low self-esteem in addition to inability to concentrate.

Clinical Depression or Major Depression or Major Disruptive Disorder

Lack of interest as well as fatigue, sleep disorders, feelings of worthlessness, confusion are the symptoms that indicate clinical depression. In some cases, the person suffering from such depression may also have suicidal tendencies.

Cyclothymia

The symptoms are a milder variant of manic depression. Irritability and an unpredictable mood reduce their chances of success at work or in social relationships.

Double depression

The symptoms are similar to dysthymia. However, these symptoms can occur over a period of about two weeks.

Dysthymia

Symptoms such as irregular eating patterns, fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, low self-esteem, and hopelessness and inability to concentrate are common in people with this type of depression.

Endogenous depression

A person suffering from this type of depression will appear depressed and confused. There will be no apparent reason for the depression. Because there are no external stimuli involved in this type of depression, the person's body chemistry or a change in hormone levels is thought to be the cause.

Existential depression

The person suffers from chronic fatigue, which may be due to domestic or social disturbances. The person also shows a general lack of interest and has no passion for doing anything.

Melancholic depression

The person loses interest in pleasure of any kind and does not show joy even when good things happen. The person's appetite and weight will vary significantly. A strong feeling of guilt overcomes the person, accompanied by excessive exercise. All these symptoms will be more severe in the early hours of the morning as the affected person gets up early.

Drug-induced depression

Prescription medications such as analgesics, antibiotics, stimulants, steroids and tranquilizers, antifungals, and heart control medications all lead to some degree of depression. The depression persists for the duration of the medication.

Neurotic depression

A feeling of self-pity, embarrassment, guilt, or shame overcomes the person. Some types of phobia and the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder are also common. Such symptoms often occur at a certain time of day, for example in the evening.

Postpartum depression

Women suffer from postpartum depression after pregnancy. Symptoms such as irritability, sadness, crying and a feeling of fragility in women are common after childbirth due to this type of depression.

Psychotic depression

Hallucinations, a delusional state, and hearing voices in the head are common in people affected by this type of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A feeling of sadness and tiredness sets in as soon as the season changes. This type of behavior can only occur at a certain time of the year and the rest of the time the person remains normal. Sensitivity and emotional reactions to the amount of daylight at a particular time of year can be easily noticed in the affected person.

Situational depression or reactive depression or adjustment disorder

This is different than a mood disorder. Symptoms such as insomnia, variable appetite, constant worry, withdrawal from social and family activities, strong feeling of sadness and lack of enthusiasm in response to moving to a new place, natural disasters, bereavement, etc. identify a person suffering from this type of depression.

Substance-induced depression

Emotional disturbance and irritating behavior due to excessive medication use or self-medication characterize a person suffering from this type of depression. Excessive alcohol consumption also has a similar effect.

Unipolar disorder

The affected person suffers from a feeling of sadness and disinterest in almost all activities. These symptoms can last for months.

Although depression is common, it should not be taken lightly. The above list of different types of depression indicates that depression comes in more than one form and affects people in different ways. Therefore, a correct diagnosis followed by the right type of therapy is important.

Inspired by John J Alex