Depression is one of the most common mental health problems today. It is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions each day. People with depression often experience persistent sadness, feelings of worthlessness, changes in appetite, and sleep problems. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life. However, depression does not look the same for everyone, as symptoms can vary from person to person. Depending on the specific symptoms, the DSM diagnostic manual identifies different types of depressive disorders. In this article, we will discuss the various types of depressive disorders.
Major Depression
Major depression, also known as clinical depression, is the most common type of depression. People with major depression often experience a constant low mood and loss of interest in activities. Changes in appetite and sleep are also common. Many struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and social isolation may occur.
Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depression
According to DSM-5, the criteria, these symptoms show a clear change from the person’s usual behavior.
- Five or more of these symptoms appear during the same two-week period.
- These symptoms show a clear change from the person’s usual behavior.
- At least one symptom must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
- The symptoms cause noticeable distress.
- They interfere with personal life, social relationships, or work.
- The symptoms are not caused by substance use.
- They are also not linked to another medical condition.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a milder form of depression. It is less severe than major depression but still affects daily life. The symptoms are similar to major depression, including low energy, poor appetite, sleep problems, feelings of emptiness, and low self-esteem. What makes this condition different is how long it lasts. As the name suggests, the symptoms continue for a long period of time.
Diagnostic Standards for Dysnthemia
A person has a depressed mood along with at least two other symptoms.
- These may include poor appetite or overeating.
- Sleep problems like insomnia or sleeping too much may occur.
- Low energy or constant fatigue is common.
- Many experience low self-esteem.
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions can be present.
- The depressed mood lasts for at least two years in adults.
- In children and adolescents, an irritable mood lasts for at least one year.
- During this time, symptoms do not stop for more than two months at a time.
- The symptoms are not caused by drugs or another medical condition.
- They cause clear difficulties in personal life, work, and social relationships.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a mood condition seen in children and teenagers. It mainly affects how they manage emotions. Common symptoms include ongoing irritability and frequent temper tantrums. These outbursts can be verbal, physical, or both. Anger is often intense and difficult to control, which can affect daily life at home and school.
Diagnostic Criteria for (DMDD)
- The symptoms of DMDD can look similar to other disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
- Children and teens with DMDD have frequent verbal or physical temper outbursts.
- These outbursts happen three or more times each week.
- They are more intense than expected for the situation.
- The reactions do not match the child’s age or level of development.
- An irritable or angry mood is present most of the day, nearly every day.
- This mood is noticeable at home, at school, and with peers.
- These temper outbursts and mood symptoms last for at least one year.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a depressive disorder that affects some women during their menstrual cycle. It is more severe than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms usually appear before the period begins. Women may feel very depressed, irritable, or emotionally overwhelmed. Common symptoms include anger, low mood, constant eating or loss of appetite, cravings for sugar, staying in bed for long periods, and a loss of interest in daily activities.
Clinical Criteria for (PDD)
According to the DSM-5, specific criteria are used to diagnose this disorder.
- In most menstrual cycles over the past year, at least five symptoms appear.
- These symptoms usually start in the final week before menstruation.
- They improve within a few days after the period begins.
- Mood changes may include emotional ups and downs.
- Irritability or anger is common.
- Feelings of depression, hopelessness, or negative self-thoughts may occur.
- Interest in daily activities may decrease.
- Concentration can become difficult.
- Low energy or fatigue is common.
- Appetite changes, such as eating more or less, may occur.
- Sleep problems, including sleeping too much or too little, may happen.
- Physical symptoms may include breast swelling, muscle or joint pain, or bloating.
- These symptoms cause significant problems in daily functioning.
- They are not caused by another mood, anxiety, or personality disorder.
- Symptoms are present when oral contraceptives are not being used.
Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria
- According to the DSM-5, this disorder involves clear and ongoing mood changes.
- The person experiences a depressed mood most of the time.
- There is also a strong loss of interest or pleasure in all activities.
- The symptoms begin during or soon after substance use or withdrawal.
- They may also start after exposure to a medication.
- The substance or medication is known to cause these depressive symptoms.
- The condition cannot be better explained by another depressive disorder.
- Symptoms continue for about one month after stopping the substance.
- They are not limited to periods of delirium.
- The symptoms cause significant distress.
- Daily functioning is affected at work, socially, or in other important areas of life.
Other Specified Depressive Disorder
Recurrent Brief Depression
Recurrent brief depression is a condition where a person experiences a depressed mood along with at least four other depression symptoms. These episodes last between 2 to 13 days and occur at least once a month. The symptoms are not linked to the menstrual cycle. This pattern continues for at least 12 consecutive months. Importantly, the person’s symptoms never meet the criteria for any other depressive or bipolar disorder.
Short-duration Depressive Episode (4-13 days)
Depressed mood and at least four of the other eight symptoms of a major
depressive episode for more than 4 days but less than 14 days.
Depressive Episodes with insufficient symptoms
Depressed mood and at least four of the other eight symptoms of a major A
depressive episode for at least two weeks in an individual.
Prenatal and PostPartum Depression
Prenatal depression occurs during pregnancy, while postpartum depression happens after giving birth, usually within four weeks. The DSM calls both conditions “major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset.” These forms of depression affect many new and expectant mothers and can impact daily life, mood, and overall well-being.
Depression with Seasonal Pattern
Depression with a seasonal pattern happens when major depressive episodes occur at the same time each year, often in the fall or winter. Over the past two years, a person experiences at least two major depressive episodes that follow this seasonal pattern. During this time, no major depressive episodes happen outside of these specific seasons.
