Types of Depression
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
DIAGNOSED IN YOUNG PEOPLE
(the Oxford Psychiatric Dictionary lists 25 different types of depression)
a) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)
– serious depression lasts an average of 7-9 months
– similar to adult depression in some ways
– sadness
– pessimism
– sleep & appetite disturbance
– decrease in concentration
– dissimilar in some ways
– anxiety
– irritability
– overly sensitive
– eating & sleeping too much
b) DYSTHYMIC DISORDER
– milder but more chronic
– low level depression
– usually able to carry out daily routines but requires major effort
– continues for years
– often progresses into major depression
c) DOUBLE DEPRESSION
– combination of above
– serious and chronic
d) BIPOLAR (manic depressive)
– unusual & extreme swings in mood and energy
– may cycle each day or several times per year
– frequently begins with depressive episode in youth
– runs in families
– research suggests 20-40% of adolescents with MDD develop bipolar within 5 years
– usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life
– equal male & female
e) REACTIVE DEPRESSION
– most common form of mood problem
– brought on by disturbing experience
– lasts anywhere from a few hours and a few weeks
– least serious
– not considered a mental disorder
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“We were so naive. We thought our son’s poor behaviour was just a phase he was passing through. Thankfully you led us ‘out of the wilderness'”
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