Depression is a mental health disorder that affects every aspect of life. And it goes far beyond just mood swings and everyday worries.
Depression can affect anyone. But the risk is highest for those who have experienced trauma, major loss, or severe stress. Women are also more prone to depression than men.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that there are several types of depression. The most serious of these is clinical depression.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association defines the following types of depression. This major depression, persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, depressive disorder due to another illness.
With clinical depression, the person feels a persistent and intense sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities that previously gave him pleasure. Mayo Clinic data shows that people with this type of depression may suffer from changes in sleep patterns, appetite, inability to concentrate, suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior.
Typically, clinical depression does not go away on its own over time. It can take from a few months to several years. It can affect work and relationships. 15% of people with severe clinical depression will die by suicide.
Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic form of depression in which there are persistent low moods and feelings of hopelessness for at least two years. These people may experience fluctuating periods of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Also, symptoms of a persistent depressive disorder may include loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, and feeling worthless.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents. This disease is characterized by intense and repetitive outbursts of anger that are out of proportion to the situation and age. These outbursts may include anger or constant irritability.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a cyclical mood disorder in which severe emotional and physical symptoms occur in the days before menstruation. These are strong mood swings, sadness, anxiety, irritability, feelings of hopelessness.
Finally, depression may occur as an event associated with another illness. This condition can be caused by chronic disease, neurological disorder, hormonal imbalance, substance abuse.
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Source: Ferra
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