Two Basic Causes of Depression
As I pointed out in another one of my blog articles, there are basically 2 causes of depression: 1) Some depressions are caused by physical and chemical reactions while 2) others are stimulated by life experiences or psychological reactions.
Go here to read that blog article: http://www.drrevelmiller.com/2019/10/what-are-the-causes-of-depression/
Below I will talk about the psychologically based depressions because that is what I know most about.
7 Common Types of Psychological Depression
There are a number of different types of psychological depression and you may have heard about some of them. Here is a list of 7 current diagnosable forms of depression with brief descriptions:
- Major Depressive Disorder
Also known as “clinical depression”, this is a serious form of depression that may present daily symptoms such as:
- Prolonged depressed mood
- Serious sadness and hopelessness
- Frequent crying
- Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Insomnia or sleeping more than usual
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Slow movement
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Diminished ability to think, concentrate or make decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death
- Suicidal ideas or attempts
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
This milder variation of Major Depressive Disorder presents with the same symptoms except the symptoms are less severe. This is a more common form of depression that we will all probably suffer from at some point in our lives.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
This depressive disorder presents with symptoms such as frequent temper outbursts and persistent irritability or anger. It is quite socially disabling and people with this disorder are disliked by others who may feel upset or damaged by their chronic critical ranting and explosiveness.
- Bipolar Disorder
Once commonly referred to as “Manic-Depressive Disorder”, this cyclic Bipolar Disorder involves extreme mood changes ranging from euphoria and elation to deeply depressive episodes. The manic or high energy period may include symptoms of: inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, more talkative, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal activity, excessive movement and risky behaviors. When in an either manic or depressive cycle, this condition may creates serious impairments in daily functioning.
- Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
This is a depressive mood disorder developed during or after substance/medication intoxication or withdrawal.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Often referred to as “Pre-Menstrual Syndrome” or “PMS”, this disorder has many symptoms that arise before menses begins and disappear after the menstrual cycle is completed. This condition impacts women both physically and emotionally and makes the mood-related symptoms of depression more severe.
7. Unspecified Depressive Disorder
As the name implies, this variation of depression offers an atypical presentation. The symptoms are characteristic of a depressive disorder that impairs social, occupational and other forms of functioning but don’t meet the criteria for any of the other 6 depressive disorders.
Other Forms of Depression
Less common forms of depression may include: 1) a new mother’s Post-Partum Depression after an infant is born or 2) Seasonal Affective Disorder when a person reacts with depression to the loss of light during seasons with less sunlight.
Caution: Don’t Diagnose Yourself!
The above information is meant as a basic guideline. It is usually very difficult to accurately diagnose your own condition or its causes. To play it safe, consult with a mental health professional or a physician to determine what you are experiencing.
Selecting the appropriate treatment option depends entirely on your being assessed and diagnosed by a health professional who can then suggest an appropriate treatment approach. Treatment may include talk therapy, psychiatric medication or a combination of these two methods.
Therapy and Recovery
With effective therapy, you should be able to:
- Experience relief
- Feel your heavy mood lift
- Restore your energy
- Gain a positive perspective on life and yourself
- Feel grateful to feel alive again
There are no quick fixes. Healing takes time. Recovery by psychotherapy, medication or a combination takes commitment and discipline. A skilled therapist with a specialty in depression can be a helpful diagnostician and guide to help you forge a path toward healing and recovery.
For more information about Depression, read some of my other blog articles with titles such as: What Are the Causes of Depression?; How Do I Select a Therapist for My Depression?; How Do I Determine If I Need Depression Counseling?; How Do I Find Relief If I Am Depressed?; Why Is Depression So Common in the USA?; Is Depression a Common Problem in the USA?; How Does Depression Manifest Itself in Human Beings?; What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Major Depression?
You can learn more about my Depression Counseling services by clicking this link below:
http://www.drrevelmiller.com/what-we-treat/depression-counseling/
I am experienced in diagnosing and treating people with depression. I may able to help so don’t needlessly continue to suffer. Call Me Soon at (805-448-5053) for a consultation.
