Depression: 4 Common Types of Depression and Treatments

Depression: 4 Common Types of Depression and Treatments

The medical issue of depression is one condition that needs to be treated. However, it may affect the treatment and effectiveness in other chronic illnesses, like asthma and heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, depression causes more missed working days, short-term illness, and reduced efficiency and alertness. Individuals suffering from depression can choose from various treatment options, such as medication and psychotherapy.

Different Types of Depression

Depression can be classified into the following four types: major depressive disorder, chronic depression (dysthymia), atypical depression, and manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). There are a few variations in the symptoms of depression, but some are more apparent symptoms. These are common symptoms of every type of depression:

  • Inability to concentrate or make decisions
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Feeling ashamed, insignificant, or in need of help
  • Problem sleeping, waking early or having trouble falling asleep
  • Excessive sleep and tiredness
  • Tetchiness
  • Agitation
  • In the past, there was a loss of interest in popular activities
  • Not able to eat or overeating
  • The pain that doesn’t disappear even after medicine
  • Suicidal thoughts

Major Depressive Disorder

The symptoms of depression that affect the ability of a person to perform their everyday tasks, including sleeping, eating, and paying attention, are referred to in the form of “major depressive disorder” (MDD) by the National Institute of Mental Health. MDD is different from the other types of temporary depression like the blues. It’s a severe form of depression that can last for several months or even for a long time. MDD patients have difficulty performing daily chores and duties. Most of the time, MDD is a long-term disease that requires treatment. Learn more here about depression treatment.

Chronic Depression

Contrary to MDD, chronic depression lasts for a lengthy time. A gloomy mood that lasts longer than two years can be classified as chronic depression by medical professionals. Chronic depression isn’t as severe as MDD. However, it does share some similar symptoms. An MDD diagnosis isn’t necessary since the symptoms aren’t common or severe enough.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is characterized by symptoms similar to MDD but isn’t enough to be diagnosed with MDD. An increase in appetite, weight gain, excessive fatigue, sleeping, and strange responses to rejection are common signs of atypical depression.

Manic-Depression

Bipolar disorder can be described as severe inherited disease in the sufferer’s genetic code. Extreme mood swings between manic phases and depression can be the main characteristic of manic depression. The changes in moods of people suffering from manic depression are often gradual or swift. Hallucinations, insomnia, psychotic behavior, paranoia, and exaggerated delusions are all symptoms associated with manic episodes.

Treatment Options for Depression

If you believe you’re suffering from depression, the best option is to consult a physician. Different treatment options are discussed with your doctor, including medicine and psychotherapy. Check out this treatment resistant depression study.

Depression medication comes in many types. Serotonin is controlled by these medicines. These SNRIs, including Cymbalta and Effexor, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil, are a more recent treatment that may be more suitable for you. Finding the most effective medicine and dosage will take time.

You could benefit from different types of therapy like psilocybin therapy. Keep your eyes open, and don’t give up too soon in your search for the best treatment and the right therapist. Many people view psychotherapy as a kind of therapy where you talk to an expert. As with marital therapy or marital therapy, interpersonal therapy is focused on the people you have in your life. Mental health problems treatment like depression or anxiety and the disorder of attention use cognitive-behavioral treatment to modify your thinking process.