Types of Depression

 

Depressions are among the most common mental disorders - and the most treatable. An estimated one in four Canadians has a degree of depression serious enough to need treatment at some time in his or her life. (Ontario's Ministry of Health: What is depression? 1994 pamphlet).
A few common types of depression include major, bipolar and dysthymic depressions. They are each classified based on the severity, duration and nature of the individual's symptoms.
Those who suffer from a major depressive episode experience a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities most of the day, everyday, with disturbance of basic functions such as sleep, appetite, energy and concentration, and experience feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and thoughts of death. These symptoms last at least two weeks or longer.
Depressive episodes are seen to be more frequent in women than in men by a two to one ratio. The highest rate of major depression for both men and women is between the ages of 25 to 44 years of age. It is this group in the middle that has many responsibilities, including family and work stresses. Major depression is also twice as common in adolescent females than adolescent males. Before adolescence, boys and girls are equally affected. Regardless of ethnicity, education, income, or marital status, people can suffer from major depression.

Bipolar depression could be part of Bipolar type I (manic depression) or Bipolar type II.
To understand the two forms of this disorder, one must understand what the terms manic and depressive episodes mean. A manic episode is characterized by being more excitable, with a higher energy level, lack of sleep, feeling euphoric, like one can do anything, making erratic decisions, and a sense of fearlessness. A depressive episode entails quite the opposite, including feelings of loss of energy, hopelessness, fatigue, sadness and exhibiting signs of withdrawal.

Bipolar I is a disorder characterized by one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes, that is, a combination of depressive and manic episodes. Unlike major depression, it occurs fairly equally in both men and women. The lifetime prevalence of this disorder is 0.4 to 1.6 per cent. Women, however, have an increased risk of an episode in the post- partum period; some having their very first episode at this time.

With Bipolar II, there is an occurrence of one or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. This condition may be more common in women than men, and women again have an increased risk in the post-partum period.

Dysthymic depression differs from both major and bipolar depression, as it characterized by a chronically depressed mood that occurs on a regular basis for at least two years. While it is a milder type of depression, it is more chronic. Sufferers also experience two or more of the following symptoms: poor appetite, insomnia, low self esteem and concentration, and a sense of helplessness.
The lifetime prevalence of developing dysthymic depression is six per cent. What are some of the effects? Children's schoolwork suffers, adolescents can become cranky and irritable, and in adults, women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from this disorder.

What causes depression? While there is no proven gene connecting depression to specific people or family members, there have been familiar patterns recognized in many studies.
Patterns of elevated rates of all three disorders are seen in first-degree biological relatives. Studies that compared twins with adopted samples suggested strong evidence of a biological gene of bipolar I. It is also seen that in those with major depression, there is a 1.5 to three times higher occurrence of the disorder among first-degree biological relatives in comparison with the general population.
While first-degree relatives are more prone, psychological stress in one's environment also plays a role.

Understanding and treatment are key to recovery
Psychologists are increasingly stressing "mind over mood" through psychotherapy sessions available to anyone who is depressed. Psychologists also often suggest group therapy for depressive episodes and recent relapses, combining cognitive behavioural therapy with a valuable support system in treating depression.
Medications are also effective, as there are many newer antidepressants and mood stabilizers that are available and appropriate for some sufferers. Electro convulsive therapy (ECT) is another method that can also be used in treating severe depression.
Those suffering from depression should talk to a family physician about their options and get referrals on the appropriate method for their individual situation.

Author: Nadia Norcia, PR Specialist with Dr. Vincent Lo, Psychologist

 

 

Credit Valley Hospital