5 different types of depression

Depression is a complex condition that involves several brain systems. Depression is experienced differently by everyone.

Koko Beers, spokesperson at the Brain Foundation, indicates that there are a number of variables with which you can classify the different types of depression:

A mild to severe depression

First, depression can vary in severity. In mild depression, there are some depressive symptoms and one can function with little help. In moderate or severe depression, there are more complaints and these can seriously impede normal functioning.

Duration and frequency of depression

In addition to severity, depressions also vary in duration and frequency. About half of the people have a depressive episode that lasts less than three months. In 15 to 20 percent of patients, the depression has a chronic character and can even last for several years. Sometimes a depression occurs only once in a person's life, but often a depressive period returns. The chance of recurrence is 50 to 80 percent and increases with multiple episodes. It is important to prevent a relapse, for example by (a combination of) psychotherapy and the use of anti-depressants.

Also read:What is depression?

Different types of depression

In addition, there are different subtypes of depression.

1. There is the seasonal depression, think of the autumn or winter depression.
2. Shortly after giving birth, women can experience postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression.
3. There are depressions with psychotic features, such as delusions and hallucinations.
4. Furthermore, depressions can occur in combination with manic periods in which a person is overly active and elated. In that case there is a manic-depressive or bipolar disorder.
5. Women can sometimes suffer from a premenstrual mood disorder. This is actually not depression but a mood disorder that can occur just before menstruation.

Psychologist Merel once again explains in the video below which different types of depression there are.

{{video poster=http://www.sante.nl/app/uploads/2019/02/depression.jpg src=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mDz0h_jlIk}}

Text:Jolien van der Kamp-Gielleit | Image:Shutterstock