Baseer Maroof, LCSW · Raleigh, NC · Adults 21+
Types of depression
Depression comes in more than one shape. Knowing which one you’re dealing with shapes the plan.
In short
- Major depression and persistent depressive disorder are the two most common types.
- Some depression follows a pattern: the seasons or the menstrual cycle.
- Bipolar disorder can look like depression at first. A past high matters, because the treatment is different.
- Depression can also be caused by a medical condition, a medication or a substance.
The basicsWhat helpsHow it worksEvidenceCheck with a doctor
The types
Types of depression
Tap a type.
Based on NIMH descriptions and the DSM-5 depressive disorders chapter. Bipolar disorder sits in its own chapter but often first shows up as depression.
Why the type matters
Bipolar changes the plan
If you’ve ever had days of unusually high or irritable mood, much less need for sleep and lots of energy, tell your prescriber. Antidepressant choices are different when bipolar disorder is in the picture.
Seasonal
Seasonal depression typically starts in late fall or early winter. (NIMH)
The good news
Across types, the core treatments overlap: structured therapy, medication when it fits, and getting active again.
Sources
All sources, linked3 references⌄
- National Institute of Mental Health (2024). Depression (brochure). www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 table of contents (Depressive Disorders chapter). www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Contents.pdf
- StatPearls. Persistent Depressive Disorder. NCBI Bookshelf NBK541052. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541052/
Related on this site