Types Of Clinical Depression

Depression is a moral state characterized by a negative sense of inadequacy, pessimism and often low disposition. It is a mental state in which the patient suffers from sad feelings of gloom and downturn in mood, caused by various reasons (tragedy in the past, loss of somebody very close, etc.). Usually the main symptoms include feelings of sadness, despair, low self-esteem, low self-reproach and discouragement. The patient is often annoyed, angry or upset. He/she may behave rather strange: sudden emotions like tears, laugh or uncontrolled feelings of anxiety, fear are very common.

Depression is associated with the low mood which can alter several times per day. Loss of earlier pleasures and interests, sleep disorders and thoughts about death - are other symptoms of depression state.

The following types of clinical depression should be distinguished:

• Major depression is one of the most serious and dangerous types of depression. It is characterized by change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It usually involves a low or irritable mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. This state includes also physical symptoms.


• Dysthymia is considered to be less severe than major depression but usually goes on for a longer period, often several years. There are usually periods of feeling fairly normal between episodes of low mood.


• Bipolar disorder a very dangerous form of depression. It involves episodes of depression, alternating with episodes of extreme elation called mania. This condition is also known as manic depression.


• Seasonal depression, also called by medical specialist seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It is depression that occurs only at a certain time of the year, usually winter, when the number of daylight hours is lower. It is sometimes called "winter blues." It is very spread type of depression, though it does not mean that it is not severe.


• Psychotic depression is a form of depression when hallucinations or delusions are experienced at the same time. Suffering this form of depression the patients can sometimes lose touch with reality.

All indicated depression types are very sever and require medical involvement. In order to avoid depression in such extremely dangerous forms it is highly recommended to start the course of treatment at the appearance of the first signs of depression. At the early stages depression can be controlled and safely eliminated. If you feel that every day of your life becomes more and more colourless and boring, and your mood is often low pay attention to your health condition. Visit a good psychologist, try to identify the cause of your low mood and if you feel that you need medical help feel free to ask for it.