The Types of Depression

Depression can take many forms. Seasonal affective disorder, clinical depression, and bipolar depression and postpartum depression are all commonly diagnosed types of depression.

Conditions such as substance abuse or an eating disorder may be confused with depression, and can make any form of depression rather hard to diagnose. Other conditions can worsen a case of depression.

The following are some very common forms of depression.

One of the major types of depression is bipolar depression (also known as manic depressive illness). Bipolar depression is commonly recognized as someone experiencing being overly happy, then suddenly becoming horribly depressed.

One of the major types of depression that women are known to suffer from is postpartum depression. This takes place right after giving birth to a baby.

A common subtype of depression is seasonal affective disorder. This form of depression seems to be tied to the way people react to the amount of sunlight that is available to them each day.

A very serious form of the many types of depression is psychotic depression. Those that suffer from psychotic depression very often hallucinate.

This is one of the most dangerous types of depression and often there is a need for someone else to jump in and help.

People that seem to be suffering constantly from a mild form of depression are likely to be suffering from dysthymia.

Another of the many types of depression that are very commonly suffered by women is atypical depression.

Experiencing things like panic attacks, overeating, and sleeping disturbances commonly mark this form of depression.

No matter which one of the many types of depression you might be suffering from, knowing the difference between them is the best way to get the best possible treatment.

Discuss any signs of depression with your doctor and work with him to find the treatment that is best suited for you.