Common types of depression
There are different types of depression that are distinctive due to what causes them:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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- Symptoms and causes
Learn More
- Common types of depressionCommon types
- Symptoms and causesSymptoms & causes
- Screening ChecklistScreening Checklist
- Diagnosis and treatmentDiagnosis and treatment
- Coping mechanismsCoping mechanisms
- Caring for someone with depressionCaring for someone
- Difference between sadness and depressionSadness vs depression