types of depression

These are terms that are mainly used by psychologists to plan treatment--the exact diagnosis is unlikely to seem all that relevant to the average person. One thing to notice, though, is that not all of the symptoms of depression are necessary to make a diagnosis of some type of depression. If depression is significantly interfering with your life, you should see a psychologist even if you don't have all of the symptoms of a major depression.

In major depression, most of the symptoms of depression are present. This is the most severe category of depression. Single episode depression occurs when an individual has an episode of major depression that responds to treatment and does not recur. Recurrent depression occurs when an individual has periods of depression. In between these periods of depression, the person may go years before being depressed again.

Reactive depression (also called adjustment disorder with depressed mood) is mild or moderate depression in response to a trauma (for example, breaking up a relationship). In general, the symptoms can be treated within six months.

Dysthymic disorder is mild depression that persists for at least two years. People with dysthymic disorder often develop major depression in response to a traumatic event.

Depression, not otherwise specified, is a catch-all term used by psychologists when a set of symptoms don't fit into one of the other diagnoses.

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is characterized by the presence of at least one manic episode. Many people with bipolar disorder have alternating periods of mania and depression. However, some are repeatedly depressed and only occasionally experience mania, while others have more of a problem with mania. The symptoms of mania and depression may also occur together.

Sources
Psychology Information Online