Depression is a common mental illness that causes persistent feelings of sadness and changes in the way you think, sleep, eat, and act. There are various types. Depression can usually be treated with talk therapy, medication, or both. People can join at California addiction treatment centers and then they will recover early.
Table of Contents
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in things and activities you used to enjoy. There may also be difficulties with thinking, remembering, eating, and sleeping. It’s normal to feel sad or grieve over difficult life situations such as job loss or divorce. However, depression is different because it lasts almost every day for at least two weeks and has symptoms other than sadness. At California addiction treatment centers people can find a good way to get out of depression.
There are different types of depressive disorders. Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is often referred to as “depression.” This is the worst kind of depression. In severe cases, self-harm or death by suicide may occur. The good news is that treatment can be very effective in relieving symptoms.
What are the Types of Depression?
Clinical depression (major depressive disorder):
A diagnosis of major depressive disorder means you have felt down, sad, or worthless almost every day for at least two weeks, and have also experienced other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or changes in appetite.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD):
Persistent depressive disorder is mild or moderate depression that lasts at least two years. Symptoms are milder than those of major depressive disorder. Health care providers called PDD dysthymia.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD):
DMDD causes chronic and severe irritability and frequent anger in children. Symptoms usually begin at age 10.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):
In PMDD, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occur along with mood symptoms such as extreme irritability, anxiety, or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after your period starts, but they can become severe enough to disrupt your life.
Depressive disorders due to other medical conditions:
Many medical conditions can cause changes in your body that lead to depression. If the underlying disease can be treated, depression usually improves.
Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression):
This is a form of major depressive disorder that usually occurs in the fall and winter and disappears in the spring and summer.
Prenatal Depression and Postpartum Depression:
Prenatal depression is depression that occurs during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is depression that occurs within four weeks after giving birth.
Atypical depression:
The symptoms of this disorder, also known as major depressive disorder with atypical features, differ slightly from “typical” depression. The main difference is a temporary improvement in mood in response to positive events (mood reactivity). Other important symptoms include increased appetite and sensitivity to rejection.
Who Does Depression Affect?
Depression can affect anyone – including children and adults. Women and those identified as female at birth are more likely to suffer from depression than men and those identified as male at birth. Having certain risk factors increases your chances of developing depression.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of depression can vary slightly depending on the type, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
You feel unfortunate, hopeless, or worried. Children and teens who are depressed may feel more irritable than sad.
Not enjoying things that once brought joy.
Easily irritated or frustrated.
Eating too much or too little can cause weight gain or loss.
Low energy or fatigue.
You have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
You suffer from physical problems such as headaches, stomach aches, or sexual dysfunction.
You think about hurting yourself or committing suicide.
What Causes Depression?
Researchers do not yet know the exact causes of depression. They believe that several factors contribute to its development, including:
Stressful life events: A lot of people are facing a lot of issues due to the loss of their favorite people in life.
Genetic predisposition: If you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) who suffers from depression, you are three times more likely to develop depression than the general population. However, depression can occur even without a family history.