The Major Symptoms of Depression
There is nothing minor about depression. It is a serious condition that has varying effects on the body and brain. There are various levels of seriousness accompanying the different subtypes of Major Depressive Disorder. Some types are very serious indeed and pose physical risks to the patient as well as to those people close to the patient. Other types of depression are easily treated and are very low on the scale of risk. All types of depression will typically respond to some kind of treatment and all types should be treated in order to improve the quality of life for the person suffering.
Depression with Psychotic Features
This may be the most risk-oriented type of depression. Psychotic symptoms include delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are irrational and untrue convictions that a person has. She may think that she is worthless or unworthy of life because of some part she played in a major evil plot against the world. Hallucinations are sensory experiences that are unaccompanied by any actual stimulus. She may hear voices that say horrible things about her or tell her to do violent things to herself or others. Treatments for this type of depression will probably include a combination of medications to deal with all symptoms. Depending on the severity of symptoms, she may also require close monitoring.
Depression with Melancholic Features
The person suffering from this type of depression is not a risk to others, but does pose serious risk to herself. She is so completely encompassed by the depressive feelings that she does not participate in life. She may spend all or most of her time in bed, feeling horrible. She may not be able to convince herself to eat, bathe or leave the house. Occasionally, hospitalization is required if the person has failed to nourish herself for too long of a period of time. Medication is almost always required, but may work too slowly. If the situation is dire, electroconvulsive therapy may be the starting point.
Depression with Atypical Features
The features that accompany this type of depression are slightly different than those of the more serious forms of depression discussed above. The person suffering from this type does still feel horribly down and sad most of the time, but will react to positive circumstances, leaving the dismal feelings behind for a bit. She enjoys company and entertainment, but will continually fall back into the depression when she is alone. She oversleeps and overeats. Medication is not a bad option in treating this type of depression, but therapy is also very helpful.
Seasonal Depression
As the name suggests, this depression is brought on by a change in the seasons. When summer ends and the days shorten, some people sink into a wintertime depression. Extra lighting can help a person deal with this type of depression.
Postpartum Depression
This type of depression occurs in many women after the birth of a child. It is a normal reaction and usually does not require treatment. If symptoms are severe, however, and last beyond the first few weeks after childbirth, close monitoring and treatment will be necessary to avoid possible tragedy.
Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman’s Guide to
the Psychiatrist’s Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.
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