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Verywell / JR BeeIf you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.When people think about depression, they often divide it into one of two things—eitherclinical depressionwhich requires treatment or “regular” depression that pretty much anyone can go through. As a condition, depression can be a difficult concept to grasp since we refer to it as both the symptom of a condition and a condition itself.From a medical standpoint, depression is defined as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of depressed mood or sadness and the often profound loss of interest in things that usually bring you pleasure. It’s estimated that 1 in 5 U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime.Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave and can interfere with your ability to function and carry on with daily life. There are manydifferent causesof depression, some of which we don’t fully understand. Seven of the more common types of depression include the following.4:33Watch Now: 7 Most Common Types of Depression
Verywell / JR Bee
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
When people think about depression, they often divide it into one of two things—eitherclinical depressionwhich requires treatment or “regular” depression that pretty much anyone can go through. As a condition, depression can be a difficult concept to grasp since we refer to it as both the symptom of a condition and a condition itself.
From a medical standpoint, depression is defined as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of depressed mood or sadness and the often profound loss of interest in things that usually bring you pleasure. It’s estimated that 1 in 5 U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime.
Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave and can interfere with your ability to function and carry on with daily life. There are manydifferent causesof depression, some of which we don’t fully understand. Seven of the more common types of depression include the following.
4:33Watch Now: 7 Most Common Types of Depression
4:33
Watch Now: 7 Most Common Types of Depression
1
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
If your teen is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If your teen is in immediate danger, call 911.
If a person experiences the majority of these symptoms for longer than a two-week period, they will often bediagnosed with MDD.
The Best Online Help Resources for Depression
2Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)Dysthymia, now known as persistent depressive disorder, refers to a type of chronic depression present for more days than not for at least two years. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.People might experience brief periods of not feeling depressed, but this relief of symptoms lasts for two months or less. While the symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder, they are pervasive and long-lasting.PDD symptoms include:Feelings of sadnessLoss of interest and pleasureAnger and irritabilityFeelings of guiltLow self-esteemDifficulty falling or staying asleepSleeping too muchFeelings of hopelessnessFatigue and lack of energyChanges in appetiteTrouble concentratingTreatment for persistent depressive disorder often involves the use of medications and psychotherapy.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1.5% of adults in the United States had persistent depressive disorder in the past year. The disorder affectswomen(1.9%) more than men (1%), and researchers estimate that around 1.3% of all U.S. adults will have the disorder at some point during their lives.Can You Have ‘High-Functioning’ Depression?
2
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)Dysthymia, now known as persistent depressive disorder, refers to a type of chronic depression present for more days than not for at least two years. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.People might experience brief periods of not feeling depressed, but this relief of symptoms lasts for two months or less. While the symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder, they are pervasive and long-lasting.PDD symptoms include:Feelings of sadnessLoss of interest and pleasureAnger and irritabilityFeelings of guiltLow self-esteemDifficulty falling or staying asleepSleeping too muchFeelings of hopelessnessFatigue and lack of energyChanges in appetiteTrouble concentratingTreatment for persistent depressive disorder often involves the use of medications and psychotherapy.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1.5% of adults in the United States had persistent depressive disorder in the past year. The disorder affectswomen(1.9%) more than men (1%), and researchers estimate that around 1.3% of all U.S. adults will have the disorder at some point during their lives.Can You Have ‘High-Functioning’ Depression?
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Dysthymia, now known as persistent depressive disorder, refers to a type of chronic depression present for more days than not for at least two years. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.
People might experience brief periods of not feeling depressed, but this relief of symptoms lasts for two months or less. While the symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder, they are pervasive and long-lasting.
PDD symptoms include:
Treatment for persistent depressive disorder often involves the use of medications and psychotherapy.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1.5% of adults in the United States had persistent depressive disorder in the past year. The disorder affectswomen(1.9%) more than men (1%), and researchers estimate that around 1.3% of all U.S. adults will have the disorder at some point during their lives.
Can You Have ‘High-Functioning’ Depression?
3
Bipolar Disorder
In addition to depressed mood and markedly diminished interest in activities, people with depression often have a range ofphysical and emotional symptomswhich may include:
The risk of suicide in bipolar illness is about 15 times greater than in the general population.Psychosis(including hallucinations and delusions) can also occur in more extreme cases.
4
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Pregnancy can bring about significant hormonal shifts that can often affect a woman’s moods. Depression can have its onset during pregnancy or following the birth of a child.
Mood changes, anxiety, irritability, and other symptoms are not uncommon after giving birth and often last up to two weeks. PPD symptoms are more severe and longer-lasting.
Such symptoms can include:
If left untreated, the condition can last up to a year. Fortunately, research has found that treatments such as antidepressants, counseling, and hormone therapy can be effective.
5Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)Among the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are irritability, fatigue, anxiety, moodiness, bloating, increased appetite, food cravings, aches, and breast tenderness.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) produces similar symptoms, but those related to mood are more pronounced.PMDD symptoms may include:Extreme fatigueFeeling sad,hopeless, or self-criticalSevere feelings of stress or anxietyMood swings, often with bouts of cryingIrritabilityInability to concentrateFood cravings or bingingHow Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Differs From PMS
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)Among the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are irritability, fatigue, anxiety, moodiness, bloating, increased appetite, food cravings, aches, and breast tenderness.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) produces similar symptoms, but those related to mood are more pronounced.PMDD symptoms may include:Extreme fatigueFeeling sad,hopeless, or self-criticalSevere feelings of stress or anxietyMood swings, often with bouts of cryingIrritabilityInability to concentrateFood cravings or bingingHow Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Differs From PMS
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Among the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are irritability, fatigue, anxiety, moodiness, bloating, increased appetite, food cravings, aches, and breast tenderness.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) produces similar symptoms, but those related to mood are more pronounced.
PMDD symptoms may include:
How Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Differs From PMS
6
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If you experience depression, sleepiness, and weight gain during the winter months but feel perfectly fine in spring, you may have a condition known asseasonal affective disorder(SAD), currently called major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.
Prevalence rates for SAD can be difficult to pinpoint because the condition often goes undiagnosed and unreported. It is more common in areas further from the equator. For example, estimates suggest that SAD impacts 1% of the population of Florida; that number increases to 9% in Alaska.
SAD is more common in far northern or far southern regions of the planet and can often be treated withlight therapyto offset the seasonal loss the daylight.
7
Atypical Depression
Do you experience signs of depression (such as overeating, sleeping too much, or extreme sensitivity to rejection) but find yourself suddenly perking up in face of a positive event?
Atypical depression is actually more common than the name might imply. Unlike other forms of depression, people with atypical depression may respond better to a type of antidepressant known as amonoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAOI).
Press Play for Advice on Healing From Existential DepressionThis episode ofThe Verywell Mind Podcastshares what it means to have ‘existential depression,’ featuring Melissa & Doug’s co-founder Melissa Bernstein.
Press Play for Advice on Healing From Existential Depression
This episode ofThe Verywell Mind Podcastshares what it means to have ‘existential depression,’ featuring Melissa & Doug’s co-founder Melissa Bernstein.
7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). Washington, DC.Goodwin GM, Haddad PM, Ferrier IN, et al.Evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder: Revised third edition recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology.J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(6):495–553. doi:10.1177/0269881116636545Fitelson E, Kim S, Baker AS, Leight K.Treatment of postpartum depression: clinical, psychological and pharmacological options.Int J Womens Health. 2010;3:1-14. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6938Vadnie CA, McClung CA.Circadian rhythm disturbances in mood disorders: Insights into the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.Neural Plast. 2017;2017:1504507. doi:10.1155/2017/1504507Horowitz S.Shedding light on seasonal affective disorder.Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2008;14(6):282-287. doi:10.1089/act.2008.14608Asnis GM, Henderson MA.EMSAM (deprenyl patch): How a promising antidepressant was underutilized.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014;10:1911-1923. doi:10.2147/NDT.S59107Additional ReadingNational Institute of Mental Health.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder). 2017.
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). Washington, DC.Goodwin GM, Haddad PM, Ferrier IN, et al.Evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder: Revised third edition recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology.J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(6):495–553. doi:10.1177/0269881116636545Fitelson E, Kim S, Baker AS, Leight K.Treatment of postpartum depression: clinical, psychological and pharmacological options.Int J Womens Health. 2010;3:1-14. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6938Vadnie CA, McClung CA.Circadian rhythm disturbances in mood disorders: Insights into the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.Neural Plast. 2017;2017:1504507. doi:10.1155/2017/1504507Horowitz S.Shedding light on seasonal affective disorder.Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2008;14(6):282-287. doi:10.1089/act.2008.14608Asnis GM, Henderson MA.EMSAM (deprenyl patch): How a promising antidepressant was underutilized.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014;10:1911-1923. doi:10.2147/NDT.S59107Additional ReadingNational Institute of Mental Health.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder). 2017.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). Washington, DC.Goodwin GM, Haddad PM, Ferrier IN, et al.Evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder: Revised third edition recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology.J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(6):495–553. doi:10.1177/0269881116636545Fitelson E, Kim S, Baker AS, Leight K.Treatment of postpartum depression: clinical, psychological and pharmacological options.Int J Womens Health. 2010;3:1-14. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6938Vadnie CA, McClung CA.Circadian rhythm disturbances in mood disorders: Insights into the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.Neural Plast. 2017;2017:1504507. doi:10.1155/2017/1504507Horowitz S.Shedding light on seasonal affective disorder.Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2008;14(6):282-287. doi:10.1089/act.2008.14608Asnis GM, Henderson MA.EMSAM (deprenyl patch): How a promising antidepressant was underutilized.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014;10:1911-1923. doi:10.2147/NDT.S59107
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). Washington, DC.
Goodwin GM, Haddad PM, Ferrier IN, et al.Evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder: Revised third edition recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology.J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(6):495–553. doi:10.1177/0269881116636545
Fitelson E, Kim S, Baker AS, Leight K.Treatment of postpartum depression: clinical, psychological and pharmacological options.Int J Womens Health. 2010;3:1-14. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6938
Vadnie CA, McClung CA.Circadian rhythm disturbances in mood disorders: Insights into the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.Neural Plast. 2017;2017:1504507. doi:10.1155/2017/1504507
Horowitz S.Shedding light on seasonal affective disorder.Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2008;14(6):282-287. doi:10.1089/act.2008.14608
Asnis GM, Henderson MA.EMSAM (deprenyl patch): How a promising antidepressant was underutilized.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014;10:1911-1923. doi:10.2147/NDT.S59107
National Institute of Mental Health.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder). 2017.
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