Depressive disorder is more than just occasional sadness or a rough week—it’s a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and behave. Mental Health America reports that more than 20 million people in the U.S. suffer from major depression, which interferes with daily life, relationships, and even physical health. However, our board-certified dual diagnosis team at Great Oaks Recovery Center helps treat many types of depression. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Depression?
It’s a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. It can also affect your energy, sleep patterns, appetite, concentration, and physical health. Depression is linked to changes in brain structure and function. It often involves imbalances in neurotransmitters such as:
- Serotonin. This brain chemical helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of it are strongly associated with depression, although they’re not the only cause of it.
- Dopamine. A neurotransmitter related to pleasure and motivation. Reduced dopamine levels often lead to a loss of interest in activities.
- Norepinephrine. Influences alertness and energy. Imbalances may result in fatigue and lack of focus.
Depression also affects your:
- Amygdala, which controls emotional responses.
- Hippocampus, which affects memory.
- Prefrontal cortex, involved in decision-making and mood regulation.
Over time, chronic depression may cause these areas to shrink or become less active, reinforcing negative thoughts and emotional numbness.
What Are the Types of Depression?
While symptoms often overlap, there are key differences between each subtype, so it’s crucial to your long-term health to have a comprehensive assessment to ensure proper treatment protocol.
1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Also called clinical depression, MDD is marked by severe symptoms that persist for at least two weeks. These may include:
- Intense sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
MDD is one of the most common and serious forms of depression, but it’s treatable through therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
2. Psychotic Depression (PD)
This is a severe subtype of major depression that includes features of psychosis, such as:
- Hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
- Delusions—false beliefs, often negative or paranoid
- A distorted sense of reality
PD requires immediate medical attention and typically involves a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications.
3. Bipolar Disorder (BD)
Though technically classified as a mood disorder, BD includes periods of depression. Many people experience sharp shifts between:
- Manic episodes, identified by elevated mood, increased activity, impulsivity, or irritability.
- Depressive episodes, which feature symptoms similar to major depression.
Treatment for bipolar disorder often includes mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and therapy.
4. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Also known as dysthymia, PDD is a chronic form of depression where symptoms last for two years or more. Symptoms may be less severe than MDD, but are long-lasting and frequently interfere with daily life, resulting in:
- Low self-esteem
- Persistent sadness
- Difficulty functioning
- Fatigue
Treatment usually includes extended individual and group counseling and medication.
5. Atypical Depression
This is a subtype of which a person’s mood may temporarily improve in response to positive events. Key symptoms include:
- Increased appetite or weight gain
- Sleeping too much
- Heaviness in limbs
- Sensitivity to rejection
Individuals with atypical depression might respond well to certain antidepressants and psychotherapy.
6. Postpartum Depression (PPD)
PPD affects women after childbirth and goes beyond the typical “baby blues.” Symptoms include:
- Mood swings and irritability
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from the baby
PPD can start within weeks of giving birth and may last for months. Medical support is critical for recovery.
7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome, PMDD typically occurs a week or two before menstruation and may cause:
- Severe mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
Treatment may include hormonal therapy, antidepressants, or lifestyle changes.
8. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This type of depression follows a seasonal pattern, often occurring in the fall and winter months. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Social withdrawal
- Weight gain
- Oversleeping
Light therapy, medication, and vitamin D supplementation are common treatments.
How Great Oaks Can Help
Many who struggle with a mental illness may try to self-medicate by misusing addictive substances, worsening their mental health. Additionally, substance abuse can be the cause of developing a mental health issue. When someone struggles with both a substance use disorder and mental illness at the same time, it creates numerous problems in their life.
At Great Oaks Recovery Center outside of Houston, Texas, we specialize in identifying co-occurring disorders and providing an evidence-based treatment plan, customized for your or a loved one’s unique needs, that addresses conditions simultaneously. This detailed, multi-faceted approach establishes a foundation for more effective long-term health management. Ask our admission team for more information.
