What are
the different types of depression?
The
different types of depression
Nowadays, doctors recognize four categories of depression in addition to
classic depression, which is also known as unipolar illness.
Manic Depression (bipolar disorder)
Period of depression and mania alternate. In mania, sufferers typically
muster huge reserves of energy and may become productive. Their ideas may
be wildly creative, even fanciful, and speech is rapid, but does not
always making sense. Grandiose ideas are a hallmark. When they are not
severe, some sufferers enjoy the manic phases as they feel alive, obtain
some relief and get a lot done. At its worst, mania precludes leading a
normal life. Violent mood swings are the norm.
Winter Blues
Some people are profoundly biologically affected by winter's low light
levels, resulting in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms include
depression, fatigue, poor concentration and memory, increased appetite,
particularly for carbohydrate, increased weight and a desire to sleep for
longer than in the summer. A true SAD sufferer so wants to sleep that he
comes home from work, sleeps in from of the television, goes to bed late
and falls asleep immediately and finds it difficult to get up in the
morning. Other symptoms include feeling irritable, anxious, anti-social,
miserable, guilty, lethargic and completely uninterested in sex.
Postnatal Depression
"Baby blues" are common among new mothers. They tend to happen within
five days of the birth and most women recover. Postnatal depression
usually occurs later, even months after the birth. The symptoms are those
of classic depression. The mother's misery, fear and anger may be
directly at herself, her baby or both. Irritability, fatigue and
sleeplessness are the hallmarks. Puerperal psychosis is on a par with
severe depression. The mother loses touch with reality and has delusions
of being utterly bad. It may appear within weeks of the birth or not
emerge for over a year.
Smiling Depression
"I'm fine" can be a dangerously misleading response from people who
manage to conceal their depression. These are the people who unexpectedly
commit suicide. The desire to put on a brave face is strong, but the
sufferer may snap without warning.
