6 Types of Depression and Their Treatment

Identifying the type of depression someone is experiencing is an important step in determining effective treatment. Depression is not a single condition; it is an umbrella term for multiple disorders, each with distinct symptoms and approaches to care.

Here are six common types of depression and their typical treatments:

1. Major Depressive Disorder

Also referred to as major depression, clinical depression or unipolar (as opposed to bipolar) depression. It is the most commonly diagnosed form of depression. It’s a condition whose primary symptom is an overwhelming depressed mood for more than two weeks. The depressed mood affects all facets of the person’s life, including work, home life, relationships and friendships. A person with this kind of depression often finds it difficult to do much of anything or motivate themselves. As a result, even seeking treatment for this condition can be challenging.

Treatment: Depending on the severity of the symptoms, usually a combination of counselling and antidepressant medication.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder

Historically known as dysthymia. This type involves chronic depressive symptoms that may be less severe than major depression but last for two years or longer.

Treatment: Some medications work for persistent depressive patients. But, notably, they may take longer to work. Or be less effective than in major depressive patients because of how entrenched the symptoms are. Counselling is strongly recommended.

3. Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is characterised not only by depressive symptoms but also by hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) or delusions (irrational thoughts and fears). Often psychotically depressed people become paranoid.

Treatment: Counselling together with combinations of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. Electroconvulsive therapy has also been shown to be successful. But is generally considered a second line of treatment.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is thought to be related to the variation in light exposure at different times of the year. It is characterised by mood disturbances (either periods of depression or mania) that begin and end in a particular season. People with SAD are more likely to experience a lack of energy, sleep too much, overeat, gain weight and crave carbohydrates.

Treatment: A combination of counselling and antidepressants. Light therapy, in which a specialised light box or visor is used for at least 30 minutes daily to replicate natural light, has also proven effective.

5. Bipolar Depression

Depression is also a symptom of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depressive disorder). For those with bipolar disorder, periods of extreme lows are followed by periods of extreme highs. Symptoms may cycle between depression and mania. During where sufferers experience high energy, excitement, racing thoughts and, often, poor judgment a few times a year. Alternatively, the cycles could be shorter and therefore much more rapid. This disorder has one of the highest risks for suicide.

Treatment: Usually, a combination of mood-stabilising drugs and psychological therapy.

6. Postnatal Depression

This type of mood disorder is also called postpartum depression. It occurs in some new mothers in the weeks or months following childbirth. Postnatal depression has long been thought to be triggered by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Although, some believe that it may have more to do with an inability to adapt to new circumstances or a lack of social support.

Treatment: Antidepressant drugs in combination with regular counselling.

Diagnosing Depression

Like any mental disorder, depression is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Therefore, a psychologist or psychiatrist that has specific experience and training in making an accurate diagnosis. However, a family doctor or general practitioner can also make a diagnosis. After which it is unusually recommended that you also obtain a referral to a mental health professional for follow-up care.

Assisting those with Depression

The services of counsellors and psychologists are essential to combatting depression and other mental health epidemics. If you believe you have a role to play in this great struggle, SACAP offers a number of mental health courses that can help prepare you to assist others. To find out more, click here.