When people think about depression, most imagine someone feeling down and sad. But, depression is more than just sadness. In fact, there are many types of depressive disorders, each with its own set of characteristics and symptoms. Recognizing the different types of depressive disorders and how they differ can help people who are living with depression understand which disorder they may be living with.

Some of the types of depressive disorders include:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a type of depressive disorder that’s characterized by experiencing symptoms of depression for the majority of your days. And, these symptoms have to be experienced for at least two week’s time. Some of the defining characteristics of MDD are symptoms that include feelings of hopelessness, inability to manage mood, and apathy for things that a person once enjoyed.

Some other symptoms MDD can often include:

• feeling exhausted even when you’ve gotten enough sleep
• not being able to fall asleep, stay asleep, or sleeping too much
• difficulty focusing and with decision making
• suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• feelings of worthlessness and despair
• fluctuations in weight
• lack of energy
• restlessness
• agitation

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorders are a classification of depressive disorders that are characterized by both depressive and manic episodes. Depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorders look and feel a lot like MDD as they share similar symptoms. Manic episodes in people with bipolar disorders can come with symptoms of increased energy, being easily distracted, and agitation. There are a few different types of bipolar disorder that are distinguished by how long and often various episodes occur.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a type of depression that occurs in women and sometimes in men after having a baby. It’s more than just having the “baby blues” as people who are living with postpartum depression experience severe depression symptoms that debilitate everyday life. Some of the symptoms of PPD can include:

• crying
• trouble eating or not eating at all
• being overwhelmed
• sleep issues
• agitation
• sadness
• severe anxiety
• mood swings
• trouble focusing

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called SAD, is a type of depressive disorder that is characterized by experiencing symptoms of depression during specific times of the year. This is most common in people who live in colder climates and symptoms often occur during winter months. However, a smaller percentage of people who are diagnosed with SAD can experience symptoms during warmer months, although this is more uncommon.

Getting Help for Depressive Disorders at Psychiatrist Boca Raton

There are a number of types of depression treatment options that help people living with depressive disorders. Medications, therapies, holistic approaches, and Neurotherapy can all provide people with symptom relief, so if you feel that there is no hope for overcoming depression, you do have options. Psychiatrist Boca Raton offers depression treatment options on an outpatient basis for people who are struggling with depressive disorders and their symptoms. Find out about the depression treatment services we offer and how we can help on our website.