Do you notice symptoms of depression in a loved one who suffers in silence and is unable to face life?

أنواع الاكتئاب

There are several types of depression, and each type has its own set of symptoms and causes.

Severe depression (major depressive disorder)

It is the most common and severe form, and it is called several names, such as major depression, or clinical depression.

It is characterized by a persistently low mood, and a host of other symptoms that persist For at least two weeks، ومنها:

• Loss of interest or enjoyment in usual daily activities.
• Changes in appetite and weight, whether sudden increase or decrease.
• Sleep disturbances or feeling sleepy during the day.
• Anxiety, confusion, or a feeling of laziness or physical or mental sluggishness.
• Feeling tired and lacking in energy.
• Feelings of low self-worth or constant feelings of guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Suicidal thoughts.

A doctor is likely to diagnose this type of depression if five or more of these symptoms appear most of the time, most days of the week, and last for two or more weeks. 

Symptoms vary among people with this type of depression. Sometimes they are characterized by constant feelings of tension and turmoil, and at other times they show bad feelings when good things happen, or depression and severe symptoms in the morning. 

Treatment for major depression often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

In severe and persistent cases of severe depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or similar methods may be used;

Chronic depression Dysthymia

It's called Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), and it's the opposite of major depression, which is characterized by severe symptoms. This type has milder but long-lasting symptoms. Individuals with chronic depression may experience a depressed mood for most of the day, for at least over two years.

Other symptoms include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, low energy, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness.

Treatment for chronic depressive disorder may include a combination of psychotherapy and medication, like the previous condition. Psychotherapy can help individuals develop coping strategies and address negative patterns of thinking, and medications, such as antidepressants, can help relieve symptoms.

It requires patience and continuity in going to the doctor to adjust drug doses and obtain optimal results from psychological and behavioral treatment. 

Seasonal depression

Also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it occurs during certain seasons, usually during the fall and winter months when there is less exposure to sunlight.

Reducing exposure to natural light can lead to disruption of the body's internal sleep clocks and changes in mood and energy levels.

Symptoms of this type of depression may include low mood, lethargy, increased sleep, weight gain, and a desire to eat carbohydrates or sugars.

Common ways to deal with this type include light therapy, by sitting in front of a special bright light box for about 15-30 minutes every day.

This treatment helps regulate biological clocks and raise mood.

Book your consultation now at مركز رفاه للطب النفسي At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital 

الاكتئاب ثنائي القطب

Bipolar Disorder is called Manic Depression, and it is characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania, as the person experiences periods of high mood and increased energy, unlike the previous types.

During a depressive episode, individuals may experience symptoms similar to those seen in major depression, however, during a manic period, they may exhibit symptoms, such as elevated mood, increased energy levels, rapid thinking, impulsive behavior, and engaging in risky behaviors.

Treatment for bipolar depressive disorder usually includes drug treatments, such as lithium or antiepileptic drugs, to help regulate mood swings and prevent manic-depressive episodes.

Psychotherapy also plays a critical role in the management of bipolar depressive disorder by helping individuals develop coping strategies, improve medication compliance, and recognize early warning signs of manic periods.

يمكنك قرأة مقال : جلسات نفسية لعلاج الاكتئاب

الاكتئاب الذهاني

Psychotic depression is a severe form of major depression that includes symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations. 

While it shares some characteristics with schizophrenia, delusions and hallucinations in psychotic depression tend to be directly related to the mood of the depressed person.

Psychotic depression can be treated with both antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, and sometimes electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately one in seven women. This type of depression appears as symptoms of severe depression in the weeks and months following childbirth, as a result of major hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Depression may appear during pregnancy or after childbirth, and its symptoms appear differently among women, but they are usually:

• A sharp decrease in mood and a feeling of sadness. 
• Social withdrawal.
• Appetite changes.
• A feeling of helplessness and despair.
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and constant fatigue.
• صعوبة في النوم.
• Feeling anxious and panicked. 
• Difficulty communicating or forming any bond with the child.
• Thoughts about self-harm to yourself or your child.
• Suicidal thoughts.

If left untreated, the condition may persist for up to a year, and research suggests that antidepressants, psychological counseling, and hormone therapy are effective for many women.

Support sessions and groups provide a safe space for women to express their feelings and get guidance without criticism.

Learn about: أنواع مضادات الاكتئاب وما فوائدها

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual depression (PMDD), is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a small percentage of women.

It is characterized by severe emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the two weeks before menstruation and usually resolve after menstruation begins.

Its symptoms appear similar to premenstrual syndrome, but mood-related symptoms are more pronounced, and its most common symptoms include: 

• Extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
• Strong feelings of stress or anxiety.
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or self-critical.
• Mood swings, often accompanied by crying spells.
• Irritability and emotionality.
• Sleep disturbances.
• An intense desire and craving for food and sugar. 

Treatment for this type of depression may include a combination of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stress management techniques, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, appear to be effective in reducing its symptoms.

الاكتئاب غير النمطي

Although the name Atypical Depression suggests rarity, it is actually more common than its name reflects, and even refers to a depressive disorder with atypical features.

Signs of this type of depression appear in the form of  increased food intake, excessive sleep for long periods, severe mood swings or sensitivity and anxiety about rejection by others.

It is also observed that these patients thrive and react to positive events unlike other types.

Atypical depression often begins in the teenage years or early twenties and tends to become a chronic condition.

Individuals with this type of depression may respond better to certain types of antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and avoiding alcohol and drug abuse, also help manage symptoms.

Get to know أعراض الاكتئاب الجسدية

Types of psychological depression

To complete the answer to the question: What are the most dangerous types of depression?

• Minor psychological depression: It is the first degree of depression, and here the patient becomes able to carry out his daily activities while feeling frustrated and sad, and faces slight difficulty concentrating mixed with feelings of despair.

• Moderate psychological depression:
  The patient begins to be affected by the disease and becomes constantly sad and depressed, faces difficulty sleeping, neglects some of his daily tasks, whether studying or working, with a tendency toward isolation and loss of social relationships.
• Severe depression:
  Here the patient becomes in his worst psychological and mood state. He completely loses his energy, loses his feeling of happiness, and begins to think about suicide and harming himself in some cases.

ما أخطر أنواع الاكتئاب؟

An answer to our main question. After knowing the most common types of depression, the most dangerous type of depression is major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, as it is the most severe form in terms of symptoms and the severity of suicidal thoughts. 

Next in danger is psychotic depression, which we may classify as one of the types of major depression, but symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions may make it a condition requiring caution, given that individuals who suffer from psychotic depression are at increased risk of self-harm and suicide.

After learning about the different types and forms of depression, each of which shows unique characteristics and symptoms, we remind you that the role of family and friends is very important in providing support and understanding to the patient and encouraging him to adhere to treatment, which is crucial for recovery and regaining control over his mental and psychological health. 

اعراض الاكتئاب

The symptoms of depression are divided into physical, intellectual, psychological, and behavioral symptoms, which we learn about below in answer to the question: What are the most dangerous types of depression?

• Physical symptoms:
  These include noticeable changes in the patient's weight due to loss of appetite, exposure to sleep disturbances, a constant feeling of fatigue and general weakness, in addition to severe headaches and stomach pain for no reason. 
• Psychological symptoms:
  The most prominent psychological symptoms are feelings of anxiety and sadness, along with despair, unjustified emotion, and feelings of guilt with constant self-flagellation.
• Intellectual symptoms:
  A depressed patient faces extreme difficulty in concentrating and cannot make any fateful decision. He also constantly thinks about death and suicide.
• Behavioral symptoms:
  The patient tends to become isolated and socially withdrawn, with an inability to talk to others. He also begins to neglect his personal hygiene, and faces poor performance at work and study.

How does depression arise?

Depression usually arises as a result of several factors, including biological factors such as disturbances in brain chemistry due to a decrease in the levels of some neurotransmitters, in addition to the presence of a contributing genetic factor with hormonal changes in the body, and also external pressures such as exposure to psychological trauma, severe cases of anxiety, and loss of psychological support, which helps to create and increase depression.

When do you need to go to a psychiatrist?

There are cases that need to go to a psychiatrist immediately to begin treatment so that the state of sadness and depression does not worsen, the most important of which are:

• The state of sadness continues for no reason for more than a month.
• The impact of symptoms of sadness and despair on daily life, such as refusing to go to work or study.
• Thinking about suicide and harming oneself is one of the most serious signs of depression and requires an immediate visit to a psychiatrist.
• Obvious changes in a person’s behavior, such as the appearance of severe and unjustified outbursts of anger, isolation, and severe mood swings.
• The appearance of some symptoms of psychosis, such as seeing or hearing unreal things and people and talking to them, or hallucinations and not distinguishing between reality and imagination.

Frequently asked questions

كيف يكون شكل مريض الاكتئاب؟

The depressed patient's appearance is always thin and tired, he suffers from weight changes due to loss of appetite, he always speaks slowly and in a low voice, with a loss of desire to do any activity, he has little interest in general appearance and personal hygiene, and he is isolated from others.

How many degrees of depression are there?

According to the classification of doctors, there are 5 degrees of depression, starting with mild depression or one that does not hinder daily life, then moderate depression, then severe depression that shows physical and behavioral signs, partial depression that is long-lasting, and then psychotic depression that includes severe psychotic symptoms.

What is the main cause of depression?

There is no main cause for depression, but rather there are many factors that lead to an imbalance in brain chemistry, including genetic, psychological, and social factors, and some health conditions.

ماذا يدور في عقل مريض الاكتئاب؟ 

A depressed patient usually thinks that he is worthless, always feels like a failure, constantly blames himself, always focuses on previous mistakes, believes that everyone does not feel like him and prefers to isolate himself. In some severe cases, thoughts of suicide may occur in his mind.

Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available to help you on your journey to recovery.

Sources and references

Types of depressions – beyondblue