Depression Definition and the Different Types

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the fourth leading cause of disability and is affecting about 121 million people from across the globe. It can affect persons of all races, ages, and genders.

Depression Definition

Depression refers to an array of abnormal variation in the mood of a person. It is a condition that involves the chemicals in the brain. Depression is more than just a feeling of being sad or blue. A person who is depressed usually shows feelings of guilt, loss of pleasure or interest, depressed mood, low self worth, loss of appetite, and low energy.

The Different Types of Depression

Here are the several types or forms of depressive disorder and their corresponding depression definition:

* Major depression disorder. Major depressive disorder is also called as major depression. This form of depression is characterized by a group of symptoms that intervene with an individual's study, sleep, work, activity, and relationship with others. This form of depression is disabling and usually affects the person's normal functioning.

* Dysthymic disorder. Dysthymic disorder, or otherwise known as dysthymia, is characterized by less severe symptoms that may not be disabling to a person but can prevent him or her from feeling well or functioning normally. This type of depression usually affects an individual for two years or more. People who are affected with this type of depression may also experience one or more episodes of major depression at some point of their lives.

* Psychotic depression. This is the type of depression that occurs together with a psychosis. A person with psychotic depression experiences delusions and hallucinations.

* Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can be found in some women who just gave birth. This is common within a month after delivery, although not all women experience postpartum depression. Approximately 10-15% of women who just gave birth experience this type of depression.

* Seasonal affective disorder or SAD. From the term it self, this type of disorder only occurs in a certain season, usually during winter, when there is lesser sunlight. During summer and spring, the depression usually subsides. Usual treatment for this type of depression is light therapy. However, in some cases, psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are needed since not all people respond light therapy.

* Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is previously termed as manic depression. This disorder is characterized by alternating periods of extremely elevated mood (mania) and depressed mood.

Knowing the types and the different depression definitions is not enough to stop depression. For you want to live a normal life again that is free from the harmful effects of depression, you should look for the right treatment which is 100% safe to use, fast acting, and of course, with permanent effects that can cure all these forms of depression listed above. Natural cures for depression are said to contain all these properties. Also, from the word natural, you don't have to worry about the side effects because you are sure that they are made from natural ingredients.