Types of Depression

Different types of depression often have slightly different symptoms and may require different treatments. Four of the most common types of depression are introduced below:

Depression

The word 'depression' is used to describe everyday feelings of low mood which can affect us all from time to time. The symptoms and the severity may vary from person to person, but these feelings generally pass within two weeks.

Major depression

Major depression is typically diagnosed when a depressed mood lasts for at least two weeks. This may also be referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression.

Bipolar disorder

This illness generally involves periods of varying extreme emotions, i.e. feeling high, or manic, and then low, or depressed. Bipolar Disorder used to be known as manic depressive illness.

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is a form of depression that affects women during the months immediately following the birth of a child.

For more information on any of these types of depression, please click on the title you’re interested in.