Everyone has moments of sadness or depression from time to time. However, clinical depression has more severe symptoms that persist for two weeks or more. Your specialist will ask you questions to establish whether you have clinical depression. You can be asked to fill out a questionnaire to establish if you have a family history with the condition. Your Houston, TX doctor of nursing practice may also do an exam or request lab testing to see whether you have another medical issue.
Prevalent types of depression
Depression is a medical disorder that impairs your mood and ability to perform. Depression types include bipolar depression, clinical depression, dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, and others. Health experts classify depression types based on symptoms and causes. These occurrences frequently have no evident reason. They can last significantly longer in some than others for no apparent cause. Depressions are classified as follows:
1. Major depressive disorder (MDD): Clinical depression is characterized by strong or overpowering symptoms that persist for more than two weeks. These symptoms make daily living difficult.
2. Bipolar depression: Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of low mood and exceptionally high energy (manic). During the low stage, you may experience depression indicators such as sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of energy.
3. PDD (persistent depressive disorder): PDD is often referred to as dysthymia. PDD indicators are milder than those of major depression. However, PDD signs may last for up to two years.
4. PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder): Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe premenstrual illness. It impacts women in the days or weeks preceding their menstrual cycle.
5. Psychotic depression: People suffering from psychotic depression experience significant depressive symptoms and delusions or hallucinations. Delusions are false beliefs in things that do not exist, whereas hallucinations entail seeing, hearing, or being touched by things that do not exist.
6. Perinatal and postpartum depression: “Perinatal” refers to the period immediately preceding birth. This depression is sometimes referred to as postpartum depression. Perinatal depression can also develop throughout pregnancy and for up to a year after your kid is born. Symptoms extend beyond “baby blues,” which produce mild sadness, concern, or tension.
7. SAD (seasonal affective disorder): Seasonal depression, also known as a seasonal affective disorder, often begins in late fall or early winter. It typically fades away in the spring and summer.
Prognosis for depression
Depression can be a short-term or long-term problem. Treatment does not usually entirely cure depression. Conversely, treatment frequently makes symptoms more bearable. Finding the correct combination of drugs and therapy to address depression symptoms is crucial. If one therapy does not work, consult with your doctor. They can help you establish a new treatment plan that will help manage your condition more effectively.
Depression is a prevalent disorder that impacts millions of Americans each year. Depression may affect everyone, even if there seems to be no apparent cause. Difficulties in life, abnormalities in brain chemistry, certain drugs, and physical diseases are all causes of depression. The great news is that depression is manageable. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing depression symptoms. Call Houston Medical-Mental Health Clinic or book your appointment online to determine depression treatments that suit you.