Not only is depression a health issue that needs handling, it can also affect the outcome and treatment course of other chronic illnesses like arthritis, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Depression also leads to an increase in missed work days, short term illness, and decreased efficiency and alertness. There are several types of depression, each different in its own way, and several treatment options for those suffering depression.
Types of Depression
There are four common types of depression: major depressive disorder, chronic depression (dysthymia), atypical depression, and manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). The symptoms of depression vary little between the versions, but some have more prevalent symptoms. Common symptoms to all types of depression include:
- Inability to focus or make decisions
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Feeling at fault, of no value, and or powerless
- Trouble sleeping, either waking early or difficulty falling asleep
- Extreme sleeping and weariness
- Tetchiness
- Agitation
- Loss of concern for activities that were once enjoyed
- Lack of appetite or binge eating
- Aches pains that don't let up with medication
- Suicidal thoughts
Major Depressive Disorder
The National Institute of Mental Health defines major depressive disorder (MDD) as a mixture of symptoms hindering a person's capacity to work, eat, sleep, concentrate, and enjoy regular activities. Every person goes through short-term depression, or the blues, but MDD is something different. This clinical depression lasts much longer and can be crippling. People suffering from MDD have trouble with normal activities and functions of daily living. Most often, MDD is a recurring condition.
Chronic Depression
Chronic depression varies from MDD in that it lasts for a very long time. Physicians diagnose chronic depression when the depressed mood lasts longer than two years. Chronic depression isn't disabling like MDD, but will mimic the symptoms of MDD. Symptoms don't present in enough frequency or severity to warrant an MDD diagnosis.
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression also presents symptoms similar to MDD, but not enough for an MDD diagnosis. Common symptoms of atypical depression are increased appetite, increased weight, unwarranted sleepiness and excessive time spent sleeping, and extraordinary reactions to rejection.
Manic-Depression
Bipolar disorder is a complicated disorder that starts in the DNA of the affected person. The primary defining symptom manic depression is the extreme mood swings between manic episodes and depression. When a person has manic depression, mood swings may occur very slowly or can change in a matter of minutes. Manic episodes are defined by insomnia (sometimes for days), hallucinations, psychotic behavior, paranoia, and extravagant delusions.
Depression Treatment Options
If you believe you're suffering from depression, the best thing to do is visit your doctor. Doctors will ask you a series of questions and offer various treatment options ranging from medications to psychotherapy.
There are many different types of medications for depressions. Some of the most commonly prescribed medicines are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These drugs work to balance serotonin in your brain. A newer type of drug, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) like Cymbalta and Effexor and tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) including Elavil may be best for you. Medication treatment often takes time to find the best medicine and dosage for you.
Various types of therapy may be beneficial to you. Finding the right type of therapy and the right therapist takes time, so don't give up too soon. Psychotherapy is the therapy most people think of where you will just talk with a professional. Interpersonal therapy involves the people you're in relationships like parent/child or marital therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps change your patterns of thought with the ultimate goal of teaching your brain to think in healthier ways.
Joshua P. Myers is the co-founder of Scultz and Myers Injury Law, LLC. As a Missouri personal injury and pharmaceutical litigation lawyer, he has won millions in settlements for clients. Josh was awarded Missouri's winningest trial lawyer in 2013 by Missouri Lawyers. He's a member of Super Lawyers, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and The National Trial Lawyers. His law firm exclusively represents injured individuals to maximize recovery. Located throughout Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas, his law firm represents clients throughout the entire Midwest. To talk free, contact toll-free at 888-956-2487.
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