Various Kinds of Depression
Depression, also known as major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a medical problem that triggers disinterest and a steady feeling of despair. Depression alters an individual’s behavior, how he feels, and mind-set.
Depression can lead to physical and emotional troubles. A person dealing with depression typically usually experiences difficulty in carrying out day-to-day activities and may think life is no more worth living.
There are a variety of types of depression with dystymic disorder and major depressive disorder being among the most common.
1. Major depressive disorder – People with this kind of ailment show a number of symptoms that undermine their sleeping, eating, and working habits. They lose enthusiasm in activities that were previously gratifying. According to specialists, major depression is almost disabling, stopping a patient from doing routine functions. Certain patients experience a single episode, while others go through recurrences.
2. Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia – This kind of depression is also referred to as mild chronic depression. Symptoms are experienced for a longtime and can last for a few years and even longer. However, the symptoms are not as intense compared with the major depression type.
3. Psychotic depression – When serious ailment results to delusions, hallucinations and/or retreating away from reality, it can be said that the patient is experiencing psychotic depression or also known as delusional depression.
4. Postnatal or postpartum depression – Also known as PND, not to be mistaken with ‘baby blues’ commonly experienced by mothers for a brief period right after giving birth. A mother may be suffering from PND if she experiences a serious depressive episode in a few weeks after child birth. Studies reveal that 10 % -15 % of pregnant women go through PND after giving birth. Unfortunately, they go undiagnosed and need to go through the disorder without proper therapy and support.
5. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD – SAD is more rampant as you go further along the equator, a region where sunshine is seen less when summer ends. A person who experiences a depressive illness during wintertime may be suffering from SAD.
When winter season ends, SAD symptoms subside. Winter time in Scandinavia brings longer nights, and patients undergo a half hour light therapy to combat SAD. Some people may require psychotherapy, antidepressants, or both. This method has become increasingly popular among northern countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. In the UK, the National Health Service say that sunlight serve as a stimulant for the hypothalamus, a partt of the brain that is known to regulate appetite, sleep, and mood.
6. Bipolar disorder/manic-depressive illness – Once referred to as manic-depression, bipolar disorder is less prevalent than dysthymia or major depression. A patient suffering from bipolar disorder experiences moments of intense lows and extreme highs called manias.
If you are in need of a proper treatment for depression, just go to the VCPS website through the given link.
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