Types of Depression

There are several types of depression distinguished by the cause of the symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms and how long the symptoms last. Major depression and chronic depression are the most common types.

• Major depression (also known as "clinical depression"):
  Characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities.

• Dysthymic Disorder (also known as chronic depression or dysthymia):
  Characterized by a long-term (two years or more) depressed mood. Chronic depression is less severe than major depression and typically does not disable you, but keeps you from functioning well or feeling good. If you have chronic depression, you may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during your lifetime.

• Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic depression):
  Characterized by cycling mood changes of highs (mania) and lows (depression), often with periods of normal mood in between.

• Postpartum depression after the birth of a baby:
  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, postpartum depression is diagnosed when a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery.
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• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (also known as seasonal depression):
  A depression that occurs each year at the same time and is more than just "the winter blues" or "cabin fever." It usually starts in the fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer.