The Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders and the International Statistical Classification of diseases and related health problems have described various types of depressions. They are Mild depression, Moderate depression, major Depression, Bipolar disorder (bipolar I and bipolar II disorder), seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression.
In mild depression there are very few symptoms are mild as compared to moderate and major dipression. Since the symptoms are mild they are generally ignored by the patients and the conditioned goes undiagnosed.
Mild depression may be continuous ongoing or it may be there for few weeks. There may be episodes of mild depression or it may reoccur at variable intervals.
The diagnosis of depression in mild depression stage and its treatment can prevent it from worsening. There are several ways to manage it and prevent its reoccurrence.
Moderate depression is between the mild and the major one. The features of moderate depression are prominent and long term than the mild depression but their severity and number of symptoms are less than the major depression. These patients do not become happy with the things by which generally other become happy. This type can seriously affect work related, social and domestic activities. If it is not treated it can progress to major depression.
In major depression there are feelings of depression, sorrow, guiltiness, anxiety and uselessness. It is almost impossible for the patients to carry on the normal routine.
The symptoms are very recognizable for the people around even they are tried to hide. The patient is generally positive for all the symptom of depression and there is distinct danger of suicide. It is very important to seek professional help and treatment. Like all other major illnesses added support is required for symptoms management and treatment. Depressive stupor, delusions and hallucinations may accompany major depression.
In bipolar depression the patient experiences episodes of excitement and depression and hence the name bipolar disorder. There are two types of bipolar disorders type I and type II.
In type I all the symptoms are of major depression but along with time the mood changes and there are feelings of wee being, decreased energy and physical and mental efficiency. There may be hallucinations and paranoia which may bring about change in precipitation about the surrounding world.
In bipolar type II the symptoms are similar to type I but there is decreased sleep, more talkativeness, more friendliness and becoming more social. In this the depression phase is longer than the manic one. And it affects the life negatively.
In seasonal affective disorder the feelings of depression change with the season. The amount of sunlight that is experienced by the patient affects the moods. Lesser the sunlight experience worse the mood. Therefore the depression phase is prevalent in winter. In some raercases it can be reverse also. There is an increased intake of sweet and carbohydrates during the phase of depression.
In postpartum depression occurs in women after delivery. This is due to the physical and social changes of delivery and raising the naonatum. The depression may or may not be seen in all the patients. If present it can be mild, severe or long term. Generally the depression lasts for more than weeks. In this there is lot of stress with hard work.
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