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Types of depression

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Transcription Types of depression


This is the most common type of depression. It is characterized by a persistently low mood, anhedonia (loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities), fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, psychomotor slowness, and even suicidal ideation.

For diagnosis, these symptoms must last at least two weeks and cause dysfunction in important areas of life such as work, school, or social relationships.

It is multifactorial: genetic and environmental factors, early experiences, personality traits, and stressful life events all play a role.

Treatment includes psychotherapy, medication (such as SSRIs), and, in severe cases, hospitalization.

Persistent depression

Persistent depression, formerly known as dysthymia, is characterized by a chronically low mood that lasts at least two years in adults.

Symptoms are usually less intense than in major depressive disorder, but their prolonged duration has a significant impact on daily life.

The person may experience low self-esteem, hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty making decisions.

Treatment combines cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and, in many cases, long-term use of antidepressants.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

This disorder affects women in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the week before menstruation) and is characterized by severe emotional and physical symptoms. These include extreme irritability, intense sadness, anxiety, fatigue, breast tenderness, insomnia, or increased appetite.

Its severity interferes with daily activities and interpersonal relationships. Diagnosis requires monitoring of symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles.

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and, in some cases, medication.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression occurs in the weeks or months after the birth of a child and affects both women and men, although it is more common in new mothers.

It manifests as persistent sadness, crying, anxiety, irritability, difficulty bonding with the baby, sleep disturbances, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

Unlike the “baby blues,” which is temporary, postpartum depression requires professional intervention.

Treatment may include psychotherapy, family support, and, if necessary, medications that are compatible with breastfeeding.

Complicated grief

Complicated grief occurs when sadness over the loss of a loved one does not diminish over time and turns into persistent, debilitating suffering.

Unlike normal grief, this condition includes intrusive thoughts about the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, social isolation, hopelessness, and intense depressive symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

It is more likely in people with a history of depression or previous trauma. Specialized psychotherapeutic intervention is essential to prevent it from becoming chronic.

Bipolar depressive disorder

In bipolar disorder, depressive episodes alternate with phases of mania or hypomania.

The person may start with a seemingly unipolar depressive episode, but years later present a manic episode (euphoria, verbosity, impulsivity, little sleep).

It is more common in young people, and there is often a family history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicide.

Correct diagnosis is vital: if treated as unipolar depression, it can worsen.

Treatment requires mood stabilizers (such as lithium or anticonvulsants) and not just antidepressants.

Substance-induced depression

Some psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, cannabis, benzodiazepines, or cocaine, can cause depressive symptoms.

This occurs both during use and in withdrawal. Symptoms include listlessness, apathy, insomnia, irritability, or hopelessness.

In these cases, treating depression without addressing substance use is ineffective. Treatment should focus on detoxification, psychotherapeutic support, and eventually the use of psychotropic drugs if symptoms persist after withdrawal.

Depression secondary to organic diseases

Some neurological or endocrine diseases can cause depressive symptoms. Examples include hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, and the onset of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

In older people, the first symptoms of these diseases can be confused with a depressive episode.

Therefore, it is essential to perform additional tests: thyroid profile, neuroimaging, neurological evaluation, etc.

Treating the underlying organic cause is essential, and once corrected, the depressive symptoms often improve.

Psychotic or schizoaffective depression

In some patients, depressive symptoms are combined with delusions or hallucinations.

This subtype requires careful differential diagnosis, as it can be confused with the onset of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Here, the presence of psychotic symptoms alongside depressed mood makes the difference.

Treatment should include antipsychotics alongside antidepressants, and hospitalization is often required.

Depression in children and adolescents

In childhood and adolescence, depression does not always present with obvious sadness.

It can manifest as irritability, poor school performance, sleep changes, isolation, and even hyperactivity.

These symptoms can be misinterpreted or normalized, delaying diagnosis.

Early intervention, family support, and psychotherapy are key. In severe cases, the use of medication under strict supervision is evaluated.


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