Common types of depression

There are different types of depression that are distinctive due to what causes them:

Clinical depression

Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that can impact thoughts, feelings, behaviour and daily functioning. In severe cases, one may even experience thoughts of suicide. It can occur in any stage of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age.
Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia is a chronic condition where a low mood occurs with at least two other symptoms of depression for at least two years.
Postpartum (or postnatal) depression

Postpartum (or postnatal) depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects mothers that have just given birth. It is characterized by fatigue, insomnia, feelings of worthlessness and difficulty in bonding with the child.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms that can be very crippling to daily life.
Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that occurs every year around the same time. It is common in countries that have less or no sunlight during some seasons.