In this article, we will discuss the different types of depression and their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

1. Types of Depression
Depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide,
including Canadians. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH),
approximately 8% of adults in Canada experience major depressive disorder (MDD) in
their lifetime. Depression is not just feeling sad or blue; it's a serious condition that
affects a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In this article, we will
discuss the different types of depression and their symptoms, causes, and treatment
options.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

2. Major depressive disorder is a type of depression that affects a person's mood,
thoughts, and behaviour. The symptoms of MDD may include persistent sadness, loss
of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, fatigue, difficulty
concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of suicide. MDD can be
caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological
factors.
Treatment for MDD may include:
● Medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of
MDD by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
● Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or
interpersonal therapy, can help a person identify and change negative thought
patterns and behaviours.
● Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be
the most effective approach for treating MDD. It can provide both short-term
symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.

3. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a type of depression that is chronic and
long-lasting. The symptoms of PDD may include persistent sadness, low self-esteem,
lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness.

4. PDD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and
psychological factors.
Treatment for PDD may include:
● Medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of
PDD by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
● Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or
interpersonal therapy, can help a person identify and change negative thought
patterns and behaviours that contribute to their depression.
● Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be
the most effective approach for treating PDD. It can provide both short-term
symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.
It is important to note that treatment for PDD may take longer than for other types of
depression due to its chronic nature.

5. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes periods of depression and
periods of mania or hypomania. Here are some details on the symptoms, causes, and
treatment options for bipolar disorder:
Symptoms of Bipolar Depression:
● Sadness: A feeling of overwhelming sadness that lasts for an extended period of
time.
● Loss of interest in activities: A lack of interest in activities that were previously
enjoyed.
● Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
● Fatigue: Feeling constantly fatigued and lacking energy, even after getting
enough sleep.
● Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty in focusing on tasks or making decisions.
● Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Feeling like a failure or feeling guilty for no
reason.
● Thoughts of suicide: Having negative thoughts about oneself or life.
Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania:
● Elevated or irritable mood: Feeling extremely happy or irritable for no apparent
reason.
● Decreased need for sleep: Feeling less need for sleep and being able to
function with less sleep.
● Racing thoughts: Having many thoughts that are difficult to control.
● Grandiosity: Feeling superior to others or having unrealistic beliefs about
oneself.
● Risky behaviour: Engaging in risky activities, such as substance abuse or
reckless driving.
Causes:

6. ● Genetic factors: Research suggests that bipolar disorder may be hereditary.
● Environmental factors: Traumatic events or stressful life situations can
contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
● Psychological factors: Certain personality traits or coping styles may also
increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.
Treatment Options:
● Medication: Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are typically prescribed for helping
manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder by balancing the chemicals in the brain
that affect mood.
● Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can
help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Psychotherapy can also help with managing symptoms and reducing the risk of
relapse.
● Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy can also
be considered for treating bipolar disorder. It can provide both short-term
symptom relief and long-term management of bipolar symptoms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by changes in
the season, typically during the fall and winter months. The symptoms of SAD may
include persistent sadness, lack of energy, increased appetite, weight gain, and difficulty
sleeping.
SAD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and
psychological factors.
Treatment for SAD may include:

7. ● Light Therapy: Exposure to bright artificial light for a certain amount of time each
day, usually in the morning, can help regulate the body's internal clock and
improve mood.
● Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD by increasing the
levels of serotonin in the brain.
● Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can
help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that
contribute to their depression. The behavioural interventions include increasing
exposure to light, spending more time outdoors, and developing a good routine.
It is essential to note that different types of treatment may be more effective for different
people, so starting with an assessment is important.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in women after giving birth.
The symptoms of postpartum depression may include:
● Persistent sadness: A feeling of overwhelming sadness that lasts for an
extended period of time.
● Lack of energy: Feeling constantly fatigued and lacking energy, even after
getting enough sleep.
● Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Feeling like a bad mother or feeling guilty
for not being able to cope with motherhood.
● Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia, trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much.
● Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby: Having negative thoughts about
oneself or the baby.
Postpartum depression can be caused by various factors such as:

8. ● Hormonal changes: After childbirth, a woman's hormone levels fluctuate, which
can affect mood.
● Sleep deprivation: New mothers often experience sleep deprivation, which can
lead to mood changes.
● Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, or lack of support from family and friends
can contribute to postpartum depression.
Treatment options for postpartum depression may include:
● Antidepressant medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the
symptoms of postpartum depression by balancing the chemicals in the brain that
affect mood.
● Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or
interpersonal therapy, can help a person identify and change negative thought
patterns and behaviours.
● Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be
the most effective approach for treating postpartum depression. It can provide
both short-term symptom relief and long-term management of depression
symptoms.

9. Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is a type of depression that is characterized by hallucinations and
delusions. The symptoms of psychotic depression may include persistent sadness,
hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and difficulty functioning.
Psychotic depression is a severe form of depression that is characterized by symptoms
of depression along with psychosis, which can include delusions and hallucinations.
Here are some details on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for psychotic
depression:
Symptoms:

10. ● Persistent sadness: A feeling of overwhelming sadness that lasts for an
extended period of time.
● Hallucinations: Sensing things that aren't there, such as hearing voices or
seeing things that aren't real.
● Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing that
someone is trying to harm you.
● Disorganized thinking: Difficulty in processing information and making logical
connections between thoughts.
● Difficulty functioning: Problems with daily tasks such as going to work, caring
for oneself, or taking care of responsibilities.
Causes:
● Genetic factors: Research has shown that psychotic depression may be
hereditary.
● Environmental factors: Traumatic events or stressful life situations can
contribute to the development of psychotic depression.
● Psychological factors: Certain personality traits or coping styles may also
increase the risk of developing psychotic depression.
Treatment Options:
● Medication: Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of
psychotic depression by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect mood
and reducing the severity of psychosis.
● Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT),
can help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Psychotherapy can also help with managing symptoms and reducing the risk of
relapse.
● Combination of both: A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be
the most effective approach for treating psychotic depression. It can provide both
short-term symptom relief and long-term management of depression symptoms.
How Archways Can Help

11. It is important to note that depression is a treatable condition. Seeking help from a
mental health professional can make a significant difference in managing depression
symptoms. Archways Centre for CBT is a private psychology clinic dedicated to using
evidence-based therapies grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) to help
adults, adolescents, and children improve their lives. Their team of highly skilled
psychologists in London, Ontario, provides assessment to clients, followed by tailored
therapy using CBT techniques to overcome a wide range of mental health challenges,
including depression.
Conclusion
Depression is a serious condition that affects a person's mental, emotional, and physical
well-being. It is crucial to understand the different types of depression and their
symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Major depressive disorder, persistent
depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum
depression, and psychotic depression are some of the different types of depression that
can affect a person. Seeking help from a trained therapist, such as a psychologist in
London, Ontario, can make a significant difference in managing depression symptoms
and improving one's overall well-being.