Depression 101: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that is prevalent but frequently underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated today. Depression can impact how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

It’s characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and hopelessness. Depression is a mood disorder that differs significantly from normal occasional feelings of sadness, or “feeling down,” that everyone experiences from time to time.

When you experience a painful life event such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or relationship problems, it’s normal and even healthy to feel sad or depressed. But clinical depression is something different.

Clinical depression is a chronic condition that lasts for several weeks or months, and significantly affects daily life functions. Differentiating between normal sadness and clinical depression is important to help you or your loved one seek appropriate treatment.

Types of Depression

There are a few different forms of depression, each with its own set of symptoms. It is important to understand the different types of depression and their nuances to help differentiate between diagnoses and better individualize treatment.

Major Depression (Clinical Depression)

Major depression is the most common type of depression. It is marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and other symptoms that hinder everyday functioning.

Treatment varies based on the individual and specific symptoms experienced, but it often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)

Bipolar depression is a condition involving alternating periods of extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, individuals may experience increased energy, restlessness, impulsivity, and feelings of euphoria or agitation.

During depressive episodes, they experience symptoms similar to major depression. Treatment often includes mood stabilizing medications and psychotherapy to manage these mood fluctuations.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Postpartum depression (PPD) primarily affects new mothers following childbirth. It is caused by hormonal changes, stress, and exhaustion.

Symptoms may include severe mood swings, difficulty bonding with the baby, overwhelming fatigue, and feelings of inadequacy or guilt. PPD is a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s wellbeing.

Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Seasonal depression is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, mostly in the winter, due to reduced sunlight exposure. Symptoms may include fatigue, social withdrawal, oversleeping, and changes in appetite. Light therapy, vitamin D supplements, and antidepressants may help treat SAD.

Common Symptoms and Signs of Depression

Depression can present in various ways and can impact physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of someone’s life. Symptoms of depression may vary in duration and severity based on the individual, sometimes making it a challenge to diagnose.

The physical symptoms of depression may include:

Fatigue or low energy despite resting
Changes in sleep patterns (such as insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive issues
Changes in appetite and weight
Some common emotional symptoms of depression include:
Persistent sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, or feelings of emptiness
Irritability or frustration
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
Excessive feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
Behavioral symptoms of depression may involve:
Pulling back from friends and loved ones
Self isolation, including not attending social interactions and activities
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
Slowed speech or movements
Getting agitated over small matters
Suicidal thoughts, self harm behaviors, or suicide attempts

Symptoms for Manic Depression (Bipolar Depression)

Unlike major depression, people with bipolar disorder or manic depression may present with extreme mood swings that fluctuate between episodes of depression and mania.

Those who have this condition may experience a manic episode, which is characterized by periods of impulsivity, sudden high energy, or euphoria, followed by a severe depressive episode.

Because bipolar depression is marked by manic episodes, clinicians, family members, and caregivers may not recognize the condition as a form of depression.

Some people with clinical depression may experience only a few symptoms, while others may have multiple severe symptoms, as listed above.

Furthermore, symptoms of depression can change over time, with periods of improvement followed by worsening episodes of depressive symptoms. Factors such as genetics, environment, and co-occurring mental health conditions can also influence the presentation of depressive symptoms.

For this reason, depression can be difficult to diagnose, but early intervention is often key to recovery. This makes learning to recognize the symptoms in their myriad forms essential.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosing depression is done by a mental health professional and involves a comprehensive evaluation.

The evaluation usually includes clinical interviews and standardized depression tests, which involve structured questionnaires, assessments, and medical screenings to rule out other conditions that may contribute to depressive symptoms.

Clinicians will assess an individual’s symptoms based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which provides a standardized set of criteria used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders.

Additionally, a depression diagnosis can be made using the ICD-10, which is the international classification of diseases that provides diagnostic codes for all diseases. A depression ICD-10 can help clinicians classify and document different types and severities of depressive disorders.

A doctor or psychologist may then use structured questionnaires, psychological assessments, and medical tests to rule out underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies that could contribute to depressive symptoms.

Consult a professional if you’re experiencing common depressive symptoms and find they persist for more than two weeks or they interfere with work, relationships, or daily life. Please seek emergency care immediately if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or self harm behaviors.

FAQs

How Do I Know If I Have Depression?

If you have been experiencing persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, suicidal thoughts, or other depressive symptoms for more than two weeks, contact a medical professional to see if you may have depression. An evaluation is recommended to determine what treatment plan is best for you.

What Is the Difference Between Bipolar Depression and Major Depression?

Major depression usually has prolonged periods of sadness and low energy that can last weeks to months, whereas bipolar depression presents with alternating periods of depressive episodes and manic episodes.

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Depression?

Treating depression typically includes a combination of therapy, antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications, and lifestyle changes. Each approach to major depression treatment should be customized to the individual person’s needs.

This process will take a host of factors into account, including symptom severity, the presence of co-occurring conditions, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle factors.

How Does Seasonal Depression Differ from Other Types?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens seasonally, usually during fall and winter.

It is thought to be linked to reduced sunlight exposure which may impact the body’s circadian rhythms and the circulation of mood regulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Depression related to SAD may be treated with light therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication.

Can Depression Be Cured?

While there is no cure for depression, the condition is highly treatable. You can find significant symptom relief through therapy, medication, and self care strategies.

Treatment and Therapy Options

Effective treatment for depression should be tailored to an individual’s needs and often involves a combination of psychotherapy and depression medication.

These treatment options aim to address underlying causes of depression, mitigate depression symptoms, and enhance overall wellbeing to help individuals achieve long term recovery.

Therapy:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured, evidence based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. This approach helps patients create coping strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and develop healthier behaviors.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): This mode of therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore emotions, past traumas, and personal challenges with a trained therapist, promoting self awareness and emotional healing.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on resolving interpersonal issues and improving communication skills, which can play a big role in relieving depressive symptoms by fostering self expression and strengthening social support networks.

Medication:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain, which ultimately enhances mood and alleviates symptoms of depression over time.

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs are a class of medications that increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, improving both mood and energy levels.

Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are usually prescribed for bipolar disorder to decrease mood swings and prevent extreme depressive or manic episodes.

Treatment Resistant Depression

There are some severe and persistent cases of depression known as “treatment resistant depression.”

This refers to depression disorders that do not respond to typical treatment protocols, including the frequent relapse or the exacerbation of symptoms despite consistent treatment with psychotherapy and/or medication.

In such cases, alternative treatments are available:

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is a medical procedure that uses electrical stimulation to the brain to relieve severe depressive symptoms in individuals who have not responded to other treatments.

Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine therapy is an emerging treatment option that has shown rapid antidepressant effects. It involves the use of a dissociative anesthetic called ketamine in controlled, low doses that rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms and show significant improvement in mood and energy levels within hours or days.

In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle changes can also greatly help to improve depression symptoms. Regular exercise can boost mood by increasing endorphin production, while a balanced diet can support physical and psychological wellness.

In addition, practicing good sleep hygiene, staying socially connected, and managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques can further help alleviate symptoms.

Depression is a serious but treatable condition. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking professional help can significantly improve quality of life and alleviation of symptoms.

With appropriate treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, individuals with depression can achieve long term wellness and recovery.

If you or a loved one believe you may be experiencing depression, please reach out to your medical or mental health professional to get an evaluation and help.

Depression: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options