TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Many different terms are used when describing depression which can make it difficult to understand. These terms often relate to the intensity and duration of symptoms. The term ‘clinical depression’ is used very frequently. All this means is that the depression has been diagnosed by a health professional.

People also talk about reactive and endogenous depression. Depression is said to be reactive if it occurs in response to an event or situation. Sometimes a specific event or situation is easy to identify but often depression is the result of a variety of life events or situations that have occurred over time. This can make identifying the cause(s) extremely difficult, and many people feel like their depression has appeared from nowhere.

‘Endogenous’ means ‘arisen from within’, so when people talk about endogenous depression they are implying that there is no external cause, and that the depression has resulted from biochemical changes.  Little is known about why such biochemical changes would suddenly take place and the most likely reasons are illness or injury. True endogenous depression is thought to be extremely rare.

Some distinct types of depression have been categorised using the most prominent symptoms and/or causes. This includes:

• SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Post and perinatal depression
• Bipolar Depression
• Brief Recurring Depression

The most important thing to remember is that all depression can be managed or overcome with the correct support, treatment and self-help activities.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression, which affects 1 to 2 percent of people during the winter months. The onset can be as early as September and can last through to April but is particularly prevalent during December, January and February.

Current research suggests that SAD is caused by a iochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortness of daylight hours and lack of sunshine during the winter months. A diagnosis of SAD can usually be made after three consecutive winters of symptoms.

There are a number of things you can do to treat SAD. Trying to get as much daylight as possible can help. Light boxes have proved to be very effective; the person needs to sit by a box for around 90 minutes a day to alleviate most symptoms. Treatment for SAD can also involve medication, talking
treatments and self-help.

Post and Perinatal Depression

Research has shown that around 10-15% of women develop post-natal depression (PND) in the weeks following childbirth, and a similar number experience depression during pregnancy (perinatal depression).  Recent research has suggested that a significant number of men may also be affected.

The causes of PND are not fully understood but pregnancy, giving birth and having a new child are all stressful and life changing events

Many of the symptoms of PND can be written off as normal feelings associated with giving birth, often called the ‘baby blues’, so PND often goes unrecognised. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of PND and be ready to recognise when help is needed.

Treatments for PND include talking therapies, self-help, and medication.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, from highs of feeling elated to lows of feeling depressed; thoughts and behaviour are also affected. The severe highs and lows may alternate with periods of stability between them.

During a ‘high’ the person may feel extremely energetic, be hyperactive and survive on not much sleep. They may have lots of ideas that are unfeasible to carry out or lose touch with reality. During a low they can plunge into the depths of depression and sometimes feel suicidal.

The causes of bipolar depression are not fully understood. Stressful life events and situations as well as physical illness can trigger an episode. Some research has suggested that genetics may also play a part.

Treatment for bipolar depression attempts to alleviate the mood cycle; addressing both the mania and the depression. It may include anti-psychotic drugs and/or antidepressants alongside talking therapies and self-help techniques.

Brief Recurring Depression

A small group of people experience frequent but short-lived episodes of depression, which can become severe.  However, diagnosis is a problem for this group, as the symptoms only last for a few days.

This form of depression affects mainly women, which has led to the suggestion that the episodes are related to the menstrual cycle.  However, a small number of men are affected, and there have been suggestions that this may be the result of allergic reactions.

Although much more research is needed into this condition, if you feel that you are affected, you should speak to your doctor.