Types of Depression
Depression takes different forms. A name helps match care to the person, but only a health care provider can make a diagnosis.
Major depressive disorder
Also called major depression or clinical depression. A low mood or loss of interest that lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks and gets in the way of daily life.
Usually treated with talk therapy, medicine, or both.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Depression symptoms that are less severe than major depression but last much longer, usually at least 2 years. In children and teens the mood may be irritable and last at least 1 year.
Most people with it will also have an episode of major depression at some point.
Perinatal and postpartum depression
Depression during pregnancy or in the weeks and months after childbirth. It is more than the "baby blues", which are mild and usually fade within about 2 weeks.
Postpartum psychosis is different and is an emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal pattern)
Depression that comes and goes with the seasons, most often starting in late fall or early winter and lifting in spring and summer. A less common summer pattern also exists.
Light therapy is a mainstay for the winter pattern.
National Institute of Mental Health · Seasonal affective disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
A more severe form of premenstrual syndrome, with depression, irritability, and tension in the week before a period. Symptoms most often get better within a few days after the period starts.
Perimenopausal depression
Depression that affects some women during the transition to menopause. Mood swings and poor sleep are common in this transition, but more extreme irritability, anxiety, sadness, or loss of enjoyment may be depression.
Depression with symptoms of psychosis
Depression together with psychosis, a loss of contact with reality. A person may hear voices or hold false beliefs, often related to their depressed feelings.
Needs immediate medical care. Treatment usually combines an antidepressant and an antipsychotic; electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can also help.
Bipolar depression (part of bipolar disorder)
The low periods of bipolar disorder, which also brings manic or hypomanic periods of unusually high energy, mood, or irritability. It is a different condition from major depression.
Antidepressants are not used alone in bipolar disorder because they can trigger mania or rapid cycling.
Treatment-resistant depression
Depression that has not improved after trying at least two antidepressants. It is not a dead end: other medicines, add-on medicines, and brain stimulation therapies are options.
Depression in older adults
Common but not a normal part of aging. Sadness may not be the main sign; some older adults feel emotionally numb, lose interest in activities, or are less open to talking about feelings.
Depression is common in people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and the two can share some symptoms.
Depression in children and teens
Children and teens may be irritable rather than sad. Younger children may be anxious or cranky, pretend to be sick, or refuse to go to school; older children and teens may sulk, get into trouble at school, or be easily frustrated.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
A mood disorder in children and teens with ongoing irritability and anger and frequent, intense temper outbursts. Symptoms are severe, show up in more than one setting, and affect daily life.
Children with DMDD are more likely to develop anxiety and depression later on.
National Institute of Mental Health · Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Depression linked to substances or another illness
Depression tied to alcohol, medicines, or withdrawal, or to a separate illness such as heart disease or multiple sclerosis.
This is one reason a clinician checks medicines and physical health first.