What are the different types of depression?

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)

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:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Celexa)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella)
• atypical antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) 
• serotonin modulators, such as trazodone (Desyrel) and vortioxetine (Trintellix)
• tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine (Anafranil) and desipramine (Norpramin)

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. 

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Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

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:

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:

• low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin
• low levels of sunlight in the winter
• changes in melatonin levels
• vitamin D deficiency

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

Many people experience “baby blues” after giving birth. But if you experience depression symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, you may have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode that occurs after 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:

• brexanolone (Zulresso), which a healthcare professional administers intravenously
• 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 or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• 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 many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.