The most common forms of depression that are diagnosed are called "major depressive disorder" and "dysthymic disorder". While some types of depression are more serious than others, all forms of depression experienced regularly that affect an individuals daily activities typically require some form of medical treatment to overcome the symptoms.
Major …show more content…
While major or clinical depression can have numerous symptoms, the primary criteria for a this diagnosis is when the individual experiences a loss of interest or depressed state of mind the majority of the day, nearly every day and for a period of two weeks or …show more content…
However, the symptoms of dysthymia tend to be chronic and typically last for extended periods of time that may include two years or even longer.
Psychotic Depression and Post Partum Depression
Psychotic depression is one of the most serious forms of depression and is the condition that coexists with another serious type of depression or mental disorder and occurs when an individual experiences periods of psychosis with depression that include a "break from reality", delusions, or hallucinations.
Individuals with psychotic depression will have symptoms that may include hearing or seeing things that are not there, delusions of grandeur, and unrealistic fears or irrational thoughts. This type of depression carries a high risk factor for suicide and typically requires hospitalization for treatment and the usage of mood stabilizers that include antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.
A diagnosis of postpartum depression or "PPD" may be made when a women experiences a severe state of depression within four weeks after giving birth. Post partum depression is physical and emotional changes that are experienced shortly after giving birth that include a chemical change in the body due the rapid drop in the level of the hormones progesterone and