Many people do not understand that there are actually many types of depressive disorders. Searching for an answer means getting a depressive disorder diagnosis. So, understanding what type of depressive disorder you may be living with can help provide you with the answers about which type of treatment may help you. And, give you the tools in order to manage the symptoms of your depressive disorder and establish an improved life of better wellbeing.
With all types of depressive disorders, there is one defining characteristic – depression. Depression is a mental health disorder that involves the inability to self-manage moods, leading to debilitating symptoms that can make daily life more challenging. Symptoms of depressive disorders can include experiencing emotions like sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
People diagnosed with depressive disorders must experience symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks. And, symptoms of depression must disrupt daily life including relationships, jobs, and responsibilities.
There are a number of types of depressive disorders and treatment of these disorders may differ according to which disorder a person is diagnosed with. Furthermore, symptoms of depressive disorders may differ. So, identifying which type of depressive disorder is important in order to identify which type of therapy or treatment options you should be pursuing. Some of the various types of depressive disorders include:
This is the type of depressive disorder that most people think of when they consider depression. Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, is characterized by mood dysregulation and debilitating symptoms of depression that last longer than a period of two weeks.
Bipolar disorders are classified as depressive disorders. They are characterized by two things; manic episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes are periods of time in which a person may experience symptoms including feelings of euphoria, creativity, and increased energy. During manic episodes, many people may have trouble concentrating and have trouble with sleeping. During depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorders experience symptoms of depression and the emotions that come with depression. There are a few different types of bipolar disorders which are characterized by the length and severity of manic episodes vs. depressive episodes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depressive disorder that affects people during a specific time of the year. In most cases, people who live with SAD experience depressive episodes during the winter months, when it is colder outside and days are shorter in length. So, people with SAD typically find relief from their depression symptoms when days are longer and the sun is out, like summer and spring months. However, people with SAD will continue to experience symptoms of depression when winter rolls around again if they don’t reach out for help.
Post-Partum Depression, or PPD, is a type of depressive disorder that mothers who have recently given birth experience. Changes in hormones and how the brain functions are believed to be the result of this disorder. In many cases, symptoms of PPD can go away on their own after a certain period of time. But, it can be helpful to reach out for assistance when new mothers experience symptoms of depression so that these symptoms are managed.
If you feel that you or a loved one is living with a depressive disorder, treatment and therapy are available and successful in helping people living with depressive disorders manage symptoms. For example, Delray Brain Science is an outpatient mental health facility that offers revolutionary tools that help people better manage and cope with symptoms of depression. Find out more about how we can help from our website.
