A relatively new classification of depression is known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), or dysthymia. The dysthymia definition helps distinguish between people suffering from a single episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) and those whose depression lingers much longer. Dysthymia symptoms, while longer-lasting, are less intense than those associated with … Read More
Because there are multiple types of depression, anyone feeling as if he or she is battling the condition might understandably wonder, “What kind of depression do I have?” The most severe form is major depressive disorder, or MDD. People with MDD feel down most or all of the time and … Read More
Depression—a mood disorder that affects an estimated one in 10 Americans at some point in their lives—is a complex mental health condition that comes in a variety of forms, each with distinct characteristics. Whether mild or severe, depression in anyone should be addressed. “The concept of ‘depression’ is actually a … Read More
As autumn transitions into winter, the waning daylight can trigger the condition known as seasonal affective disorder. SAD is different than simply feeling listless, or unmotivated to leave your home because it’s cold and grey. It’s a type of depression distinguished by seasonality. People who experience SAD disorder may feel … Read More
If you’ve been feeling down in the dumps for a while, and especially if you have thoughts of suicide, it’s time to visit your doctor or a mental health care professional. (If you’re feeling really hopeless, don’t hesitate to visit your nearest emergency room or urgent care center.) Most of … Read More
If you haven't heard the phrase before, your first question may be, "What is situational depression?" Yet in a way, it also defines itself. Situational depression a type of depression tied to a negative event or experience, or that results directly from a specific situation. The heart-wrenching death of a … Read More
It seems there are nearly as many symptoms of depression as there are people with depression. After all, everyone experiences low moods differently. Experts continue to recognize certain clusters of symptoms of depression that tend to be seen together, and sometimes they label these clusters as a specific form of … Read More
People with social anxiety disorder (SAD)—also called social phobia—have an intense fear of social situations, especially if they believe they’ll be judged or scrutinized by others. So, while going to a party may produce what feels like anxiety, a party in which the person is the guest of honor might … Read More
There is no one-size-fits-all depression medication, but there are certain types of medications that work well in many people. It may sound obvious to say that antidepressants are the first drugs prescribed for depression, but which antidepressant medication you take depends on a number of factors—among them the type of … Read More
As with other mental disorders, the difference between just having a bad day, or week, or month, and truly suffering from depression is the duration of symptoms and level of impairment. As such, it helps to consider different levels and how we define them. Depression Symptoms of MDD Major Depressive … Read More
