The Types of Depression and Their Characteristic
Signs
Nowadays, depression is a common disorder experienced by people around the world. This type of illness does not
choose age nor race; it can come about in every age bracket and in any nationality worldwide. Because of the
widespread of this mental illness, depression has been considered as the most common psychological disorder
affecting almost 16% of the world's total population.
The types of depression are subdivided into five categories. However, some books would only provide the readers
with the three major types of depression and these are: Major Depression, Atypical Depression and Psychotic
Depression. Other sources include two more types of depression namely, Dysthmia and Manic Depression. We will study
the different types and explore each of their characteristic signs.
Major Depression
The Major type of depression is said to be the most common type of this illness. Its distinguishing signs and
symptoms include: loss of interest in normal and leisurely activities, decrease in libido, and feelings of
hopelessness. People suffering from this type of depression seem to be carrying the world's burden all in their
shoulders. It is said that this form of depression is deemed to be the most serious type because of the severity of
its symptoms.
Atypical Depression
This type of depression differs slightly from the major type of depression because it is affected with the
environmental factors. Its warning signs can appear and reoccur after an episode of attention, success and praise.
It often persists for months and may even last for a lifetime.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic Depression is termed as such because it has accompanying mental disturbances such as seeing of imaginary
things. The person affected with this type of depression is often negativistic and often hears fear-provoking
images and sounds. This type of depression requires immediate treatment form health professionals.
The Other Two Types
Dysthmia is considered to be another type of depression but is believed to be the less severe type. It is often
felt from time to time and the person having such disorder may be afflicted with this illness everyday for a
lifetime. Manic Depression is typically characterized by mood swings which occur rapidly over a period of time.
They have a high suicidal tendency rate and should require frequent visits from a professional.
It is indeed difficult to treat someone with depression. Most of the time, the effort should come from the patient
himself in order to attain the desired outcome. Without sense of control from the sufferer himself, then there
would surely be poor prognosis on this disorder.
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