There are several different types of depression, often with unique symptoms and treatment options. Common types of depression include major depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP
Depression is a common mood disorder that can negatively affect your day-to-day life. It can lead to symptoms such as persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness.
If you regularly experience depressive symptoms, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can help identify if your symptoms meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of depression and can put together a treatment plan for you.
There are several different types of depression, each with its own unique symptoms and treatment options, such as:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Oriol Llauradó Ballesta/Stocksy United
Major depressive disorder (MDD), or clinical depression, occurs when you have depression symptoms that last for a minimum of 2 weeks. To receive a diagnosis, the symptoms must also change how you function in your day-to-day life, such as at work, school, or home.
Researchers don’t know what causes major depression, but they include risk factors, such as:
a difference in brain chemicals
family history of depression
having high sensitivity to stress
exposure to violence, abuse, neglect, or poverty
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), about 80–90% of people with depression respond well to treatment. Common treatment options include medication and talk therapy.
Treatment options
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for depression. There are many classes of antidepressants, including:
Talk therapy, in combination with medication, can help treat depression. One form of talk therapy for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people work with a trained therapist to improve problem solving. CBT attempts to change negative thought patterns into positive ones.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Persistent depressive disorder is when you have symptoms of depression that last for much longer than MDD, remaining for at least 2 years.
Treatment for persistent depressive disorder is similar to major depressive disorder, often combining medication and talk therapy.
You can also have an episode of major depressive disorder before or during a period of persistent depressive disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that can occur due to the changing seasons and can last for several months.
The symptoms you experience can depend on the season you’re currently in, such as:
Season
Time of year
Symptoms
winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder
starting in the late fall or early winter
oversleeping overeating social withdrawal
summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder
starting in the spring and summer months
insomnia reduced appetite anxiety restlessness
Winter-pattern is more common than summer-pattern.
This type of depression is more common among people with other types of depression or bipolar disorder. People with seasonal affective disorder often have other mental health conditions, such as panic disorder or anxiety disorder.
Researchers are unaware of exactly what causes seasonal affective disorder, but the following may play a role:
Light therapy is an important part of treating winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder. In light therapy, you sit in front of a bright light box for several minutes each day. Vitamin D supplementation, as well as antidepressants and talk therapy, are common treatments.
While there are no specific treatments for summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder, a healthcare professional may be able to recommend a treatment plan or lifestyle measures tailored for you.
Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode that occursafter childbirth, although depression symptoms can also start during pregnancy.
Common treatment options for postpartum depression include talk therapy and antidepressant medications. Support groups, social support from friends and family, and self-care can help relieve your symptoms.
There are two medications specifically that doctors use to treat postpartum depression:
zuranolone (Zurzuvae), which is an oral medication
One in 8 birthing parents experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Researchers think the sudden drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone after childbirth could be the cause. You might be at higher risk for postpartum depression if you had prenatal depression or depression before pregnancy.
When to speak with a doctor
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor or psychiatrist, if you think you might have depression. They can help identify if your symptoms meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of depression and can put together a treatment plan to help.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.
While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.
Summary
There are many types of depression, which differ by their symptoms, the duration of symptoms, and sometimes their root cause.
Examples of types of depression include:
persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
major depressive disorder (MDD)
postpartum depression
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
While antidepressant medications and talk therapy are common treatments for most depression types, there are specific treatments unique to some subtypes, such as light therapy for winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder.
Consider speaking with a doctor if you are experiencing depression symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day life.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
