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Depressive disorders come in different forms, just like many other illnesses. In addition to major depression, other common types include:
- Dysthymia. People who have dysthymia may feel mildly depressed on most days for at least two years. They have many depression symptoms, but the symptoms are less severe than with major depressive disorder.
- Seasonal affective disorder. This illness has the same symptoms as major depressive disorder. But, in seasonal affective disorder, the symptoms return during certain seasons, usually in the fall and winter. While the exact cause is unknown, this illness is thought to be related to seasonal variations of light, as well as changes in certain brain chemicals which may induce feelings of depression.
- Postpartum depression. This type of depression can occur in women who recently have given birth. It usually happens in the first months after delivery. But it also can happen in the first year after giving birth. The symptoms are the same as major depressive disorder. Often, postpartum depression keeps the mother from bonding with her newborn. It is very important to seek help if you have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is different from the “baby blues,” which tends to occur during the first few days after delivery and then gets better on its own.
Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder that can have some of the same symptoms as major depression. The word bipolar refers to the disorder’s two extremes, mania and depression. The treatments for bipolar disorder are usually different from treatments for major depression. Visit the
1on1health Bipolar Disorder program for more information.
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