Types of Depression

There are several different types of depression. They are distinguished by the length and severity of symptoms. Most of these are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), an American Psychiatric Association publication which describes psychiatric disorders.


1) Major Depressive Disorder (296.02-.36) (also known as Major Depression, Clinical Depression) – A major depressive episode occurs with symptoms that last for most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks. A symptom must either be
1) Depressed mood or
2) A noticeable decrease in interest or pleasure in most activities.
3) At least four additional symptoms are present:
• decrease or increase in eating
• difficulty sleeping or increase in sleeping
• fatigue or loss of energy
• feeling worthless or excessively guilty
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• repeatedly thinking about death or suicide, trying to attempt suicide or having a specific plan to commit suicide
• excessive movement or slowing down associated with mental tension (observed by others)

2) Dysthymic Disorder (300.40) (or also referred to as Chronic) – Nearly constant depressed mood for at least 2 years accompanied by at least two of the following:
• decrease or increase in eating
• difficulty sleeping or increase in sleeping
• fatigue or loss of energy
• feeling worthless or excessively guilty
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• feeling hopeless
Symptoms do not occur for more than two months at a time. Generally, this type has persistent but less severe depressive symptoms than Major Depression.

3) Manic Depression (296.20-36) (now known as Bipolar Disorder) – This kind of depression includes periods of mania and depression. Cycling between these two states can be rapid or only mania can be present. A manic episode consists of a persistent elevated or irritable mood that is extreme, which lasts for at least one week. At least three (four if only irritable mood) other features are also present:
• Inflated self-esteem or self-importance
• Decreased need for sleep
• More talkative than usual or compelled to keep talking
• Experiencing racing thoughts or ideas
• Easily distracted
• Increase in goal-oriented activity (social, work, school, sexual)
• Excessive involvement in potentially risky pleasurable behavior (e.g. over spending, careless sexual activity, unwise business investments)
Symptoms can be severe enough to warrant hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others or may include hallucinations, delusions.

4) Mixed States (296.06-.80) is a condition during which symptoms of mania or hypomania (lower than mania) and symptoms of depression occur simultaneously. During a mixed episode, the person may experience
• Impulsiveness
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Flights of ideas
• Suicidal thoughts
• Guilt
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Changes in appetite
These are common during depressive episodes. Mixed episodes can be incredibly distressing to the individual. It can lead to panic attacks, substance abuse, and suicide.

As mentioned earlier, I suffer from Mixed States. I manifest everyone of the symptoms. When I get a little more courage, I’ll share some of my experiences.

http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/dsm4a.html
http://www.depression-help-resource.com/types-of-depression.htm