Questions to Ask About Major Depressive Disorder

Almost everyone has experienced some type of depression in their lives. However, the term depression has so many different meanings that may confuse or invalidate a person’s experience. Some experiences to help validate the four main types of depression someone can experience in their life are:

1. Situational Depression

Experience of intense sadness in response to an unfortunate situation like the pandemic, or other negative events and isolating situations

2. Biological Depression

Imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones that can affect a person’s mood and physiology

3. Psychological Depression

Linked to psychological factors that can occur in someone’s life like losing perspective, unrealistic expectations, and negative self-talk

4. Existential Depression

Existential Depression is the opposite of what you may experience with situational depression, as it usually occurs with a joyous event, usually one that someone has been looking forward to for a very long time.

There are several levels of depression that someone can be diagnosed with. The major levels of depression that can be analyzed are:

1. Major Depression

Also known as major depressive disorder. You may have this type if you feel depressed most of the time.

Some other symptoms you may have with major depression are:

• Loss of interest in activities
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Issues going to sleep or feeling tired throughout the day
• Restlessness and agitated, sluggish, and slowed down physically or mentally
• Tired and low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Issues concentrating or making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder

If you have depression that has lasted for 2 years or longer, it’s called a persistent depressive disorder. This is used to describe two conditions previously known as dysthymia and chronic major depression.

Symptoms you may experience are:

• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Little sleep or oversleeping
• Low energy or constantly tired
• Low self-esteem
• Issues concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness

3. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can also be considered “Manic Depression”, depending on the mood episodes which can range from extremes of high energy and productivity to low depressive moods.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder

This period of major depression happens most often during the winter months when the days are shorter and you have less sunlight. It typically goes away once the spring and summer months arrive.

5. Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression has symptoms of major depression with psychotic tendencies like:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Paranoia

6. Postpartum Depression

Women who start to feel majorly depressed within weeks to months after childbirth.

7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Women may experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder at the start of their period. Besides feelings of being depressed, women may also have:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Trouble concentrating
• Sleepy
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleep habits
• Overwhelmed

8. Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is different as it’s a specifier that describes patterns of depressive symptoms. If you have atypical depression, a positive event can temporarily affect your mood. Symptoms of atypical depression include:

• Increased appetite
• Sleeping more often
• Heaviness in your arms and legs
• Oversensitive to any criticism

Some main causes of depression include:

• Abuse whether it be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Age
• Certain medications
• Conflict
• Death or loss of a loved one
• Gender
• Genes
• Major events in your life
• Personal problems
• Serious illness
• Substance abuse

If you are interested in learning more about our services, contact Jade Health and Wellness! For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2375 East Camelback RD Suite 600 Phoenix, AZ 85016. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Alhambra AZ, Tempe AZ, and surrounding areas.