Subtypes of depression
Oftentimes, depression is divided into subtypes. These subtypes are based upon the symptoms that are exhibited with each type of depression. Some of the main subtypes of depression include:
1. Mono-polar depression (also known as dysthymic disorder)
This type of depression consists only of depressive symptoms. In mild cases of mono-polar depression there is no interference with an individual's ability to work or their ability to participate in social activities. (These minor cases are known as "dysthymic disorder.") However, in more severe cases of mono-polar depression, these areas can be affected.
2. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive disease or cyclothymic disorder)
A person with bipolar disorder has periods of depression that alternate with periods of elevated mood level. The periods of depression are known as the depressive phase while the periods of elevated mood level are known as the manic phase. While a person is in the manic phase they show symptoms of increased mental and physical activity. They also tend to sleep poorly and have problems concentrating whenever they are in the manic phase. Sometimes a person may only have a mild form of bipolar disorder. In such cases, this mild form of bipolar disorder is known as "cyclthymic disorder."
3. Manic disorder
This disorder is actually believed to be the same as bipolar disorder, but the depressive state simply has not occurred yet. Manic depression is characterized by an abnormally elevated mood. This mood is accompanied by unrealistic optimism, lack of sleep, and hyperactive behavior.
4. Depression caused by physical disease
Sometimes a physical disease such as hypertension, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, stroke, and Cushing's syndrome can cause the symptoms of depression. Diseases such as these are actually the most common cause of depression. However, this type of depression can also be triggered by a lengthy illness such as the flu. Another disease that often contributes to depression is hypothyroidism, wherein a person lacks thyroid hormones and thus has a slowed metabolism.
5. Postnatal Depression
Oftentimes, women go through a period of depression after giving birth to a baby. This is due to the fact that the birthing process is both physically and mentally exhausting. Therefore, this process can actually drain the body of important nutrients. This lack of nutrients can in turn lead to depressive symptoms.
6. Seasonal Affective Disorder
During cold, dark times of the year a person may become depressed. Then when it becomes warm and light outside again, this depression may then go away. This is because light stimulates brain activity while a lack of light may lead to depression.
Depression news on the Web
Depression Affects A Fifth Of All Fathers
A fifth of fathers and more than a third of mothers experience depression before their child turns 12 years old, with the highest rates in the first year after birth, according to a new study from the Medical Research Council (MRC). Parental depression has serious knock-on effects for children too and therefore scientists are calling for greater awareness of the occurrence of depression not just ... |
Depression costs Japan's economy $32 billion
Suicides and other depression cases cost Japan's economy about 2.7 trillion yen ($32 billion) last year, the government said Wednesday, releasing such data for the first time in a bid to raise public awareness of the nation's long-battled social woe. |
Depression costs Japan's economy $32 billion
Suicides and other depression cases cost Japan's economy about 2.7 trillion yen ($32 billion) last year, the government said Wednesday, releasing such data for the first time in a bid to raise public awareness of the... |
Tropical Depression Hermine brings heavy rain to central Texas
Tropical Depression Hermine is bringing heavy rain to central Texas, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. View full sizeTropical Depression Hermine is centered about 60 miles south of Abilene, Texas, at latitude 31.6 north and longitude 99.5 west.... |
Suicide, depression toll on economy ¥2.7 trillion
The combined cost of suicides and depression cases to the economy totaled ¥2.68 trillion in 2009 due to lost incomes from the deaths and social security payments necessitated by the mood disorder, the government said Tuesday. Health minister Akira Nagatsuma released the figures at a meeting of Cabinet ministers pursuing measures to deal with suicides and depression, Health, Labor and Welfare ... |
Depression Significantly Improved By Non-Invasive Therapy
Major depression is a common and disabling brain condition marked not only by the presence of depressed mood but also by its effects on sleep, energy, decision-making, memory and thoughts of death or of suicide. Major depression affects 15 million adults in the U.S., and the World Health Organization projects that by 2020, it will be the largest contributor to disability in the world after heart ... |
Parental Depression After Childbirth
A study of UK parents suggests a significant number of parents develop depression during the first twelve months of a child’s life. Researchers discovered more than 30 percent of mothers and about 20 percent of fathers experience an episode of depression — with the risk of depression greatest during the first year after [...] |
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