What are the Types of Depression?
Anwesha Panda, Fellowship Student Trainee, Dept. of Psychology, VIMHANS
Depression- Manifestation Differences
Depression is often mistaken with feeling the ‘blues’ or is synonymous with sadness. However this is not entirely true. While sadness is a major component of depression, it is important to recognise what it truly is- a common mood disorder. The experiences of depression for different individuals, can take many different forms, some of which are more evident than others. Everybody experiences depression differently, and no two people with depression will have the same symptoms and experiences. It varies in intensity and severity and manifests differently for different individuals. On one hand an individual could noticeably be finding it difficult to move out of their bed and complete their daily chores and on the other hand another individual could be completing all their daily chores and obligations but inside they carry a persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness.
What is depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a negative affective state that interferes with day-to-day functioning and can range from dissatisfaction and unhappiness to an intense sense of melancholy, pessimism, and despair (American Psychological Association, 2018). Depression can occur as a result of various reasons such as genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. Typical indicators may involve feelings of sadness, diminished interest, fatigue, alterations in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, trouble focusing, and experiencing hopelessness or guilt. If these symptoms continue, it’s crucial to consult a licensed mental health professional instead of attempting to self-diagnose, as an accurate assessment guarantees the appropriate type of support and treatment.
Types of Depression
Clinically many types of depression are recognised each having its own distinct features.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is defined by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities, repeated thoughts of death, and physiological and cognitive symptoms that last for at least two weeks and affect daily functioning. (Marx et al., 2023)
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (previously dysthymic disorder) is defined by chronic low-level depression that is less severe but may continue longer than major depression. Persistent depressive disorder is diagnosed after experiencing a number of depression symptoms for at least two years (Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymic Disorder), n.d.) .
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar depression (BD) is a chronic intermittent mood illness characterised by mood fluctuations (irritation, enthusiasm, and melancholy), as well as changes in behaviour and energy. Occurs as part of bipolar disorder, where periods of depression alternate with episodes of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) (Rathour et al., 2022) .
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a specific type of depression that lasts roughly four and a half months of the year and has a repeated seasonal pattern. In addition the depressive symptoms related to SAD are different for winter-pattern and summer-pattern SAD, in most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late autumn or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months, known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. Summer-pattern SAD is less common. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023)
Prenatal Depression
Individuals experiencing pregnancy who experience clinically significant depression from conception until delivery are diagnosed with antenatal or prenatal depression. The symptoms of prenatal depression are similar to those of other depressive disorders - involving persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and emotional overwhelm that can make it difficult to cope with daily life or prepare for the arrival of a baby (Shortis et al., 2020) .
Postpartum Depression
A serious mental illness that affects women after giving birth, postpartum depression (PPD) is characterised by ongoing melancholy, anxiety, exhaustion, and trouble functioning. As opposed to the fleeting "baby blues," PPD is more severe and persistent (Khamidullina et al., 2025).
Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood)
When a person struggles to cope with a situation or event in their life, it can lead to situational depression. Because it is triggered by a particular traumatic experience and usually lasts for a shorter amount of time, situational depression is different from severe depressive episodes. A person may eventually develop more severe and long-lasting clinical depression if situational depression doesn't go away on its own (Patterson, 2021).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
The week prior to menstruation is when premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe mood disorder, manifests as somatic and cognitive-affective symptoms (Hantsoo & Epperson, 2015).
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depression that occurs when a severe depressive illness includes some form of psychosis. The psychosis could be hallucinations (such as hearing a voice telling you that you are no good or worthless), delusions (such as, intense feelings of worthlessness, failure, or having committed a sin) or some other break with reality (NHS, 2021).
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression is more than just melancholy. Depending on the individual, it may be more subtle or overpowering. People usually have many episodes of depression, yet it may only happen once in a lifetime. For majority of the day, almost every day, during these episodes, typical signs of depression can include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
What Causes Depression?
Numerous risk and protective factors (related to biological, psychological, and social determinants) are associated with depression; these determinants are interconnected and have a web of causal relationships that affect depression outcomes (Remes et al., 2021)
Life events and hassles operate as triggers for the development of depression. Traumatic events such as the death or loss of a loved one, lack or reduced social support, caregiver burden, financial problems, interpersonal difficulties, and conflicts are examples of stressors that can trigger depression (Remes et al., 2021).
How Is Depression Diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with depression, a person must have symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad (NIMH, 2024).
Depression Treatment Options
Depression treatment is highly dependent on a person’s symptoms, diagnosis, preference, and need for treatment. Treatment options usually include the following:
Counselling/ Therapy: Psychotherapy, often known as counselling or therapy, is beneficial to many people. The majority of therapy sessions are brief and concentrate on your current thoughts, feelings, and problems. In therapy, you will work with your therapist to develop coping mechanisms, alter distressing behaviours, and identify solutions.
Pharmacology: A psychiatrist will prescribe medications. Medication is chosen according to the person’s symptoms and health status. It is important to take prescribed drugs consistently and not stop the course of treatment suddenly.
Healthy Lifestyle and Social Support: Healthy sleep, exercise, proper nutrition, manageable daily schedule, and healthy interpersonal relationships may be used as a part of treatment.
Second Line of Treatment/ Treatment Resistant Option : Some patients suffering from complex depression may require additional treatments after careful consideration.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If low mood, disinterest, or feelings of emptiness persist for longer than two weeks, or if they start to interfere with your relationships, job, or sleep, you should think about getting professional help.
If you experience suicidal or self-harming thoughts, call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or regard it as an emergency and get help right away. If you are unable to come in person, VIMHANS also provides online consulting.
Depression Treatment at VIMHANS
At VIMHANS, mental health professionals work together for the treatment of depression. The psychiatrist prescribes medicines, and tries to find a medical cause for the depression. The psychologist provides treatment through counseling as well as talk therapy. Such treatment can help you deal with negative thoughts and improve interpersonal relationships.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of depression will make it easier to recognise the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. Seek assistance from a licensed mental health professional if you believe that you or a loved one is experiencing depression.
FAQs
What are the various forms of depression?
The various forms of depression include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and perinatal depression. Depression can also be present in bipolar disorder or as an accompaniment of psychosis.
What is the most common form of depression?
Major depressive disorder or MDD which is also known as clinical depression, is one of the most commonly recognised forms of depressive disorders. It includes persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest.
How does depression differ from bipolar depression?
Major depressive disorder involves depressive episodes without a history of mania or hypomania. Bipolar disorders involve episodes of mania or hypomania. Many people with bipolar disorder also experience depressive episodes, but depression is not required for every diagnosis. Bipolar I disorder can be diagnosed after a manic episode, even without a prior major depressive episode. Bipolar II disorder involves both hypomanic and major depressive episodes.
Can children and teens get affected by depression?
Yes, children and teens can be affected by depression. The symptoms of depression include irritability, persistent feelings of sadness, isolation from friends, changes in sleep patterns or appetite, poor performance in academics, or loss of interest in hobbies. These should be brought to the attention of a mental health practitioner at the earliest.
How is depression diagnosed?
A mental health professional diagnoses depression by assessing the symptoms, how long they have been present, how severe they are, and how they affect daily functioning. In addition, one's medical history, family history, and other factors that might contribute to the condition are taken into account.
Can depression be treated without medication?
Depression is treated through therapy or medication or a combination of the two. A mental health professional will use their judgement to decide the best option for treatment. The best way to learn what treatment method is most beneficial for you is to consult with a mental health professional.
When should I visit a depression expert?
If your life is being affected by sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, insomnia, or other symptoms of depression, then you might want to consider visiting a depression specialist regardless of the level of severity of the symptoms.
How long does depression treatment last?
It depends on the type and level of severity of depression as well as on particular conditions and effectiveness of treatment for each person. For some individuals, changes can be observed after several weeks of treatment, whereas others need more time.
In what ways does sadness differ from depression?
Sadness is an emotional expression of grief, unhappiness, loss, hopelessness, helplessness, or sorrow. Sadness can also be experienced as loneliness, discouragement, rejection, and dissatisfaction with oneself. Being sad is a normal reaction in difficult times. But usually, the sadness goes away. When a sad mood lasts for 2 weeks or more and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed.
Where do I get depression treatment in Delhi?
One can get their symptoms assessed by mental health professionals at VIMHANS in New Delhi. VIMHANS provides a wide range of psychiatric and psychological services. Check the VIMHANS website to know the available services.
When does depression become a case of emergency?
Depression becomes an emergency situation when one feels that they have thoughts of harming themself, are not able to protect themselves, or experience any psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. One should contact the emergency services or head to the nearest hospital for emergency services. In India, one can avail of Tele-MANAS 24/7 mental health services at tel:14416 or tel:1-800 891 4416. One can also avail emergency services at VIMHANS
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