The document provides an overview of various types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and psychotic depression, emphasizing their symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments. Diagnosis is crucial for determining the specific type of depression and planning effective treatments, which may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Recognizing symptoms early and understanding the individual factors involved can significantly improve outcomes for those affected by depression.

1. The Different Types of
Depression & How To Spot
Them

2. • Major Depressive Disorder
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses
worldwide and is a signi cant contributor to the overall
global burden of disease. This presentation will discuss the
different types of depression, their symptoms and how to
spot them.

3. o Causes
The exact causes for depression are not fully known but
involve changes in the balance of chemicals made in the
brain and other factors, including:
- Genetics
- Stress
- Environmental F
actors
- Brain Chemistry
It may start from a combination of biological, psychological,
and social source of distress.

4. o Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk for depression; these
include:
- Having gene linked to depression
- Experiencing trauma, abuse, or neglect during childhood
- Having a physical illness or taking certain medications
- Having a close relative with depression
- Experiencing signi cant losses or life changes
- Participating in substance abuse
- Having a distorted self-image
- Having very high standards

5. o Symptoms
Depression is a mental health disorder that impacts people
differently no matter what the underlying cause may be. It
is not always easy to spot, but some symptoms are
common. These include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, and
hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Loss of energy and concentration
- Unexplained physical problems such as aches and pains

6. o Treatment
No single treatment is right for everyone. It is important for
individuals suffering from depression to speak with a
quali ed healthcare professional who can diagnose the
individual and suggest the most effective evidence-based
treatment for their particular case. Treatment for
depression can include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy,
medication, or a combination of these approaches. It is
important to nd the right treatment plan that works best
for the individual.

7. • Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is a form of
depression that lasts for a long period of time with varying
degrees of intensity. Symptoms include, low self-esteem, a
sense of helplessness or hopelessness, dif culty making
decisions, low energy and dif culty concentrating. It is
important to seek treatment for this condition as soon as
possible, as it could lead to major depression if left
untreated.

8. o Diagnosis
Diagnosing Depression
The rst step in treating any type of depression is getting a
diagnosis from a medical professional. Tests like the Beck
Depression Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale for
Depression can be used to gauge the severity of symptoms.
Additionally, doctors may assess for biological factors such
as thyroid problems or nutrition de ciencies contributing to
depression.

9. o Causes
There can be several causes for depression, ranging from
biological, lifestyle and environmental factors. Biological
causes could include genetic dispositions, hormonal
imbalances, and chemical imbalances, while lifestyle and
environmental in uences can include lack of
communication, lack of support networks, lack of exercise,
and stress in everyday life. It is important to have an
understanding of the different causes in order to more
accurately identify and diagnose the type of depression an
individual is suffering from.

10. o Risk Factors
Depression can be caused by several risk factors like
genetics, medical conditions, serious life events, and
medications. Additionally, certain personality traits, such as
being vulnerable to stress, anxiety or perfectionism, can
also contribute to a greater risk of depression. Additionally,
social factors like isolation, poverty, peer pressure,
bereavement can also play a role. Diagnosing depression
hence requires identifying the underlying causes in order to
come up with an effective treatment plan.

11. o Symptoms
The Symptoms to Look for
Depression is usually characterised by a low mood and loss
of interest. It can also be accompanied by physical
symptoms like an increase or decrease in appetite or
weight, fatigue, trouble sleeping and thoughts of suicide.
Various forms of depression can also manifest differently
with postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder,
bipolar disorder and psychotic depression showing distinct
symptoms. Recognising these symptoms by seeking
professional help is the rst step towards recovery.

12. o Treatment
Finding the Right Treatment
Professional help is necessary for accurately diagnosing
depression and nding a suitable treatment for it.
Treatments like psychotherapy, medications, support
groups, or a combination of those, can be used to help
manage the symptoms of depression. Discussions with
mental healthcare practitioners can help shortlist the best
course of treatment for anyone suffering from depression.

13. • Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is an illness that affects a person's ability to
control their moods. Patients will often experience extreme
shifts between mania and depression, which can have a
tremendous impact on functioning. The swings in moods
can be fast and intense, and may last for hours, days or
even weeks. It is best treated with a combination of
medication and therapy.

14. o Diagnosis
Spotting the Different Types of Depression
The severity and frequency of the symptoms of depression
are strongly correlated with the type of depression. Early
diagnosis and treatment can have a signi cant impact on
the outcomes. To diagnose depression accurately, mental
health professionals use surveys and tests to assess the
patient's mood, sleep habit, and other physical symptoms.

15. o Causes
Various causes could be associated with depression:
Genetic, Hormonal, Life events, Mental or physical illness. It
is important to understand the root cause and identify the
type of depression in order to properly address it. In some
cases, it could be dif cult to determine the source of
depression, so it is essential to consult a mental health
professional for an accurate diagnosis.

16. o Risk Factors
Risk factors increase an individual’s risk of developing
depression. These may include, family history of
depression, exposure to traumatic and stressful life events,
medical conditions like diabetes, certain medications and
substance abuse. Knowing these risk factors can help in
identifying and addressing depression early on.

17. o Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Depression
Sad, anxious and empty mood, a lack of interest in activities
that used to be pleasurable, physical symptoms like
disrupted sleep, appetite and weight changes, fatigue,
dif culty concentrating and recurring thoughts of death or
suicide. Spotting these could be the rst phase of getting
treatment.

18. o Treatment
Treatment
The most common treatments are psychotherapy and
medication. There are a variety of psychotherapies
available, like cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy,
which has shown to be quite effective at relieving
depression symptoms. Certain medications, such as
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have also
been proven to help.

19. • Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression
whose symptoms appear exclusively during certain
seasons. It is most commonly experienced during the
winter months and is characterized by feeling sluggish and
slow. In some cases, people will suffer from extreme
fatigue and lightheadedness. Treatment for SAD includes
light therapy and antidepressant medications.

20. o Diagnosis
Spot the signs : Early Identi cation
Clinical depression is a serious mental illness and its
symptoms can vary depending on the type of depression.
Symptoms usually involve a change in mood, such as loss
of interests in activities, low energy levels, dif culties with
concentration, irritability, low self-esteem and feelings of
worthlessness. Diagnosis is essential for proper treatment
which may involve psychotherapy, medications or both.

21. o Causes
Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, such as
physical or emotional trauma, genetics, certain medical
conditions, medications, drug/alcohol issues, and other
psychological or social issues. Stressful life events also
often contributes to feelings of depression. Practitioners
must make sure to take into consideration all of the
underlying causes of depression before prescribing any
treatment.

22. o Risk Factors
Risk factors for depression can include a family history of
depression, a certain personality type that is prone to
stress, a lack of social support, chronic health issues, and
certain medications. By understanding these factors, the
practitioner can better customize a treatment plan for the
patient that should t their lifestyle, needs, and risk levels.

23. o Symptoms
When it comes to the different types of depression,
common symptoms are sadness, fatigue, dif culty
concentrating, anger, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Knowing how to recognize signs and symptoms of
depression can help you stay aware and seek proper help.
Other signs of depression could include isolation, feeling
helpless or guilty, excessive mood swings, and social media
addiction.

24. o Treatment
Effective Treatment
Treatment should be tailored speci cally to each individual
in order to target the person’s needs. Medication and
cognitive-behavioral therapy have been proven to reduce
the symptoms of depression. Talk therapy can help you
address the underlying causes of depression. Developing
healthy habits such as physical exercise, talking to a
supportive network, and getting enough sleep can also
help reduce the symptoms.

25. • Psychotic Depression
Psychotic Depression is a severe form of depression with
symptoms of psychosis including hallucinations, delusions,
paranoia, and disorganized thinking. It is often
accompanied by a feeling of worthlessness, guilt, and deep
sadness. It is extremely important to diagnosis the
condition quickly and provide effective treatment as it is
potentially life-threatening.

26. o
Manic Depression
Also referred to as Bipolar Disorder, is characterized by
periods of elevated moods and energy, as well as
depressive episodes. Additionally, those with manic
depression may experience mood swings and might
become easily irritable or overly stimulated during these
periods. It is important to diagnose and treat the condition
as early as possible, as prolonged episodes can lead to
harmful behaviours.