Six Types Of Depression You Should Know About
Depression is a mental disorder which unfortunately has never been given sufficient attention. It is true that people today are more aware about the effects of this disorder and are willing to seek medical help more often. However, there are still too many people out there who are not aware that they are suffering from this malady and are allowing this problem to wreck havoc in their personal and professional lives.
Did You Know There Are Six Different Types Of Depression?
Most people think that depression is the name of only one type of mental disorder. However, you would be surprised to learn that there are as many as six different types of this disorder, each one having different symptoms and treatments.
1. Unipolar depression- also known as clinical or major depression is the common among the lot. The symptoms that help its diagnosis are sadness, gloominess, self-hatred and suicidal thoughts. People who suffer from this problem need constant supervision besides the prescribed treatment.
2. Bipolar depression - this type is characterized by wild mood swings - from extreme happiness verging on euphoria to abysmal sadness and hopelessness. Since the mood swings are between two extremes which in medical language are termed as mania and hypomania - the name of this disorder is ‘bipolar'.
3. Chronic depression - here the symptoms are milder but they stretch over a very long period of time - several months, even years. The person feels generally hopeless and experiences sleeping and eating disorders. However, he/ she would be able to function normally in their day-to-day occupations and hence, tend to ignore the symptoms. This disorder is very likely to develop into unipolar depression unless it is treated in time.
4. Seasonal depression - better known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) attacks only during certain season - such as onset of winter or spring, or special times, such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. The person would develop all the typical symptoms during that season or time, and feel just great (normal) after it has passed.
5. Psychotic depression - this is one of the most serious among the lot. The person suffering from this disorder would experience delusions, hallucinations and even hears voices in their heads.
6. Atypical depression - this is a disorder whereby the person becomes over emotional and panicky without any warning. These traits can destroy all relationships in the lives of these people, because others would be frustrated by their behavior.
Look at these characteristics and if you find anyone you know suffering from any of these symptoms, help them get medical help. This mental disorder can be fully cured if it is diagnosed and treated early.
