What Is Depression? What Are the Different Types of Depression?

 

Source: Verwell Mind

 

A crucial part of daily life is taking care of your mental health. Over the past few decades, we've learned to appreciate our mental health and improved at identifying and protecting it. But it's not always easy to do that. To aid in your comprehension, we look at the signs of depression.

 

We'll examine these symptoms along with what depression is, what causes it, how it affects people, and potential treatments. Regardless of whether it affects you or someone you know, it is a subject worth understanding about.

 

What Is Depression, Exactly?

 

The condition of depression is frequently misunderstood. Someone may say, "I'm extremely depressed right now," when they are upset about something. We all experience gloomy, unsatisfied, or impatient days, of course. However, neither of these hypotheses adequately explains depression. There are several symptoms associated with this medical condition.

 

Depression is a long-lasting mood disorder that has an impact on your feelings, thoughts, and actions. It may impact how someone behaves at work or at home, make them feel disengaged, and make them stop enjoying their favourite pastimes.

 

History of Depression

 

Contrary to what many people think, depression has existed for a very long period. Although the sickness is just now being acknowledged, it has always existed.

 

The history of depression dates back to the second millennium BCE. The ancient Mesopotamians believed it to be a demonic-caused psychic ailment. Ancient Romans and Greeks called the illness "melancholia" (second millennium BCE).

 

The ancient Mesopotamians believed it to be a demonic-caused psychic ailment. Ancient Romans and Greeks called the illness "melancholia," and the term persisted for many years. They attributed it to a bodily fluid imbalance (known at the time as humours).

 

The twentieth century saw substantial changes in psychology and medicine that profoundly impacted our understanding of depression. The illness was attributed to psychological factors, behavioural factors, and biological factors.

 

We now have a more thorough understanding of and approach to depression than ever before. Our definitions and remedies have also developed.

 

Different Types of Depression

 

There are many different ways to categorise depression. You can more effectively diagnose and treat the illness if you are aware of the differences. Depending upon the symptoms and intensity, here are 8 different categories of Depression.

 

1. A Depressive Illness: This is the phrase used by physicians to diagnose depression. There are three levels of depressive episodes: mild, moderate, and severe.

 

2. Recurrent Depressive Disorder: Continually depressed illness People who have had at least two episodes of depression are said to be susceptible to this illness.

 

3. Adverse Depression: This term is used when a severe life event, like a bereavement, triggers a depressive episode.

 

4. Dysthymia: The term "chronic depression" refers to persistent, mild depression that lasts more than two years.

 

5. Bipolar Illness: This was once referred to as manic depression and is a separate disorder from depression. Extreme euphoria and depressive episodes are common in people with bipolar disorder.

 

6. Prenatal Depression: Depression during or after pregnancy New parents (both men and women) may develop postnatal depression after giving birth to a child. If it starts during pregnancy, it is referred to as antenatal or prenatal depression.

 

7. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Some people experience depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is most prevalent during the winter.

 

8. Psychotic Depression: When a depressive episode gets so severe that a person has hallucinations or delusions, a condition known as "psychosis," this is referred to as psychotic depression.

 

Depression vs. Anxiety

 

Despite their similarities, the two illnesses are not the same. Many of the symptoms are identical, especially when it comes to difficulties like fatigue, trouble focusing, and sleep problems. If you suspect you have either ailment, you should visit your doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis.

 

How Many Are There?

 

Depression is one of the most common mental diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 264 million impaired people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. If you think you might be depressed, you can take an online test to find out.

 

What Elements Influence Depression?

 

The condition of depression is complicated and frequently misunderstood. Common wisdom typically offers a range of unhealthy causes of depression. Particularly damaging is the idea that it's "all in your brain" or something you can "just get over."

 

In actuality, there are several factors that might contribute to depression. Additionally, even if two people may have the same symptoms, their causes and treatments could be very different. We won't go into detail about the precise factors that contribute to depression.

 

Here Are Some of the Principles of Some of the Critical Elements Instead:

 

The brain: The brain governs our mood and emotions through a multitude of substances, nerve connections, and other circuits. Certain regions govern certain emotions and functions.

 

Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate with one another. Brain cells create these compounds to maintain the balance and functionality of various functions, including memory and emotion.

 

Genes: Our genes influence every element of our bodies, including our thoughts and emotions. Stress and sadness may be more likely in persons who have a genetic predisposition to depression.

 

Experiences in Life: Your sensitivity to stress is influenced by your genes, and the physiological changes brought on by stressful circumstances can cause depression and anxiety.

 

Medical Conditions: From cancer to a lack of vitamin B12, depression is associated with a number of diseases.

 

Medications: Some medications, including steroids and blood pressure medications, might have depression as a side effect.

 

Conclusion

 

Depression has a high likelihood of morbidity and mortality when left untreated. Most depressed people describe anhedonia or other nebulous, inexplicable feelings rather than actual depressive symptoms. In order to appropriately screen their patients for depression, all doctors must be on the lookout.

 

Written By: Dharchini Priya P