|
| Major
depression |
| Major
depression is a combination of the symptoms listed above and
the interference of these symptoms with the individual's ability
to work, study, eat, sleep, and generally, just live an enjoyable
and fully functioning life. A disabling episode of depression
may occur only once but usually occurs several times in a lifetime.
|
| Dysthymia |
| Dysthymia
involves long-term, chronic symptoms that don't disappear and
keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Many people
with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at
some time in their lives. |
| Bipolar
disorder |
| Bipolar
disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. It is not
nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by swift mood changes which
range from mania or severe highs and depression or lows. Most
of the time the mood changes are gradual, but sometimes they
are dramatic and rapid. When in the depressive phase, the individual
can have all of the symptoms of depression. The manic cycle,
usually means the individual is overactive, talks a great deal,
and has a lot of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment,
and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and
embarrassment. While in a manic phase the individual may feel
elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business
decisions to romantic sprees. If mania is left untreated it
may worsen to a psychotic state. |
| Seasonal
Depression |
| It
is a little known fact that what time of the year it is can
affect whether or not an individual falls into a depressive
state or not. Seasonal depression usually hits in the fall/winter
time and is diagnosed if the individual has recurrent episodes,
at least two times where they fall into depression and come
out of it at the same time. |
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