Types of Depression

Depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide, including Canadians. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), approximately 8% of adults in Canada experience major depressive disorder (MDD) in their lifetime. Depression is not just feeling sad or blue; it's a serious condition that affects a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In this article, we will discuss the different types of depression and their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder is a type of depression that affects a person's mood, thoughts, and behaviour. The symptoms of MDD may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of suicide. MDD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Treatment for MDD may include:

1. Medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of MDD by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
2. Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
3. Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective approach for treating MDD. It can provide both short-term symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a type of depression that is chronic and long-lasting. The symptoms of PDD may include persistent sadness, low self-esteem, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness. PDD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Treatment for PDD may include:

1. Medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of PDD by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
2. Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their depression.
3. Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective approach for treating PDD. It can provide both short-term symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.

It is important to note that treatment for PDD may take longer than for other types of depression due to its chronic nature.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania. Here are some details on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for bipolar disorder:

Symptoms of Bipolar Depression:

1. Sadness: A feeling of overwhelming sadness that lasts for an extended period of time.
2. Loss of interest in activities: A lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed.
3. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
4. Fatigue: Feeling constantly fatigued and lacking energy, even after getting enough sleep.
5. Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty in focusing on tasks or making decisions.
6. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Feeling like a failure or feeling guilty for no reason.
7. Thoughts of suicide: Having negative thoughts about oneself or life.

Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania:

1. Elevated or irritable mood: Feeling extremely happy or irritable for no apparent reason.
2. Decreased need for sleep: Feeling less need for sleep and being able to function with less sleep.
3. Racing thoughts: Having many thoughts that are difficult to control.
4. Grandiosity: Feeling superior to others or having unrealistic beliefs about oneself.
5. Risky behaviour: Engaging in risky activities, such as substance abuse or reckless driving.

Causes:

1. Genetic factors: Research suggests that bipolar disorder may be hereditary.
2. Environmental factors: Traumatic events or stressful life situations can contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
3. Psychological factors: Certain personality traits or coping styles may also increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Treatment Options:

1. Medication: Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are typically prescribed for helping manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
2. Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also help with managing symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse.
3. Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy can also be considered for treating bipolar disorder. It can provide both short-term symptom relief and long-term management of bipolar symptoms.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by changes in the season, typically during the fall and winter months. The symptoms of SAD may include persistent sadness, lack of energy, increased appetite, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping.

SAD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Treatment for SAD may include:

1. Light Therapy: Exposure to bright artificial light for a certain amount of time each day, usually in the morning, can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve mood.
2. Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
3. Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their depression. The behavioural interventions include increasing exposure to light, spending more time outdoors, and developing a good routine.

It is essential to note that different types of treatment may be more effective for different people, so starting with an assessment is important.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in women after giving birth.

The symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

1. Persistent sadness: A feeling of overwhelming sadness that lasts for an extended period of time.
2. Lack of energy: Feeling constantly fatigued and lacking energy, even after getting enough sleep.
3. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Feeling like a bad mother or feeling guilty for not being able to cope with motherhood.
4. Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia, trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much.
5. Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby: Having negative thoughts about oneself or the baby.

Postpartum depression can be caused by various factors such as:

1. Hormonal changes: After childbirth, a woman's hormone levels fluctuate, which can affect mood.
2. Sleep deprivation: New mothers often experience sleep deprivation, which can lead to mood changes.
3. Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, or lack of support from family and friends can contribute to postpartum depression.

Treatment options for postpartum depression may include:

1. Antidepressant medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of postpartum depression by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
2. Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
3. Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective approach for treating postpartum depression. It can provide both short-term symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is a type of depression that is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. The symptoms of psychotic depression may include persistent sadness, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and difficulty functioning.

Psychotic depression is a severe form of depression that is characterized by symptoms of depression along with psychosis, which can include delusions and hallucinations. Here are some details on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for psychotic depression:

Symptoms:

1. Persistent sadness: A feeling of overwhelming sadness that lasts for an extended period of time.
2. Hallucinations: Sensing things that aren't there, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't real.
3. Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing that someone is trying to harm you.
4. Disorganized thinking: Difficulty in processing information and making logical connections between thoughts.
5. Difficulty functioning: Problems with daily tasks such as going to work, caring for oneself, or taking care of responsibilities.

Causes:

1. Genetic factors: Research has shown that psychotic depression may be hereditary.
2. Environmental factors: Traumatic events or stressful life situations can contribute to the development of psychotic depression.
3. Psychological factors: Certain personality traits or coping styles may also increase the risk of developing psychotic depression.

Treatment Options:

1. Medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of psychotic depression by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood and reducing the severity of psychosis.
2. Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also help with managing symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse.
3. Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective approach for treating psychotic depression. It can provide both short-term symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.

How Archways Can Help

It is important to note that depression is a treatable condition. Seeking help from a mental health professional can make a significant difference in managing depression symptoms. Archways Centre for CBT is a private psychology clinic dedicated to using evidence-based therapies grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) to help adults, adolescents, and children improve their lives. Their team of highly skilled psychologists in London, Ontario, provides assessment to clients, followed by tailored therapy using CBT techniques to overcome a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression.

Conclusion

Depression is a serious condition that affects a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is crucial to understand the different types of depression and their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and psychotic depression are some of the different types of depression that can affect a person. Seeking help from a trained therapist, such as a psychologist in London, Ontario, can make a significant difference in managing depression symptoms and improving one's overall well-being.