4 Types of Depression: Common Signs and Getting Help

When we think of depression, we often think of a single entity, but the fact is, there are different types of depression, and each type can affect different individuals in different ways. Millions of people suffer from depression, and if you’re one of them — or suspect you may be — understanding the most common types can help you get the treatment you need as early as possible.

At Revival Infusion Madison, Sarah Wilczewski, CRNA, APNP, helps patients with depression find relief for stubborn symptoms with ketamine infusion therapy, shown to be effective even when other treatments, like medication and therapy, don’t work. Here, she reviews four of the most common types of depression to help you recognize when it’s time to seek treatment.

1. Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most well-known forms of depression — typically the type people mean when they refer to “depression.” People with MDD have persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that persist day in and day out, usually without any identifiable cause (like a job loss or death, for instance). Symptoms are typically severe enough to interfere with work, relationships, and daily responsibilities.

People with major depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and struggle with symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, or sleep disturbances. Difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness and guilt are also common. 

2. Persistent depressive disorder

Sometimes referred to as chronic depression, persistent depressive disorder involves long-lasting symptoms that continue for two years or longer. Because symptoms persist over time, they may feel like a “normal” state, delaying treatment and reducing quality of life.

Common symptoms are similar to MDD and include low mood, fatigue or low energy, poor self-esteem, lack of interest in social activities or other enjoyable activities, and feelings of hopelessness. With this type of depression, you may still meet your daily responsibilities, but continually struggle with feelings of sadness or a lack of interest or motivation in life. 

Since symptoms develop gradually and tend to be less intense than an MDD episode, they may be mistaken for “personality traits” rather than a medical condition that requires treatment. Perhaps most importantly, successful treatment can be life-changing, especially after years of suffering.

3. Bipolar-associated depression

Formerly referred to as “manic-depressive disorder,” bipolar disorder is characterized by two distinct “moods” — elevated periods of heightened mood or mania alternating with depressive symptoms. During depressive episodes, symptoms may closely resemble major depression, making diagnosis more complex.

People who have bipolar disorder experience symptoms like deep sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite during depressive phases. Episodes can vary in intensity, and while they may alternate with periods of increased energy or impulsivity, they may be less noticeable than what we think of as “traditional” depression, although their impact can be just as significant.

4. Postpartum depression

As the name implies, postpartum depression happens after childbirth, with symptoms more serious and more long-lasting than the “baby blues” many new moms experience as their hormone levels return to normal. This type of depression can begin within a few weeks of childbirth or months afterward, affecting your emotional and physical wellness during a time that’s already marked by increased responsibilities and stresses.

Symptoms include intense sadness, anxiety, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed or even disconnected from your baby. As a result, many women experience guilt, fear of being a “bad mother,” or difficulty bonding with their newborn. It’s important to realize that these feelings are not a sign of failure as a mother, nor are they permanent — medical treatment can definitely help.

How ketamine therapy can help

Many people with depression benefit from medication, psychotherapy, or both, but for others, symptoms persist despite these traditional approaches. In these instances, ketamine infusion therapy offers a safe, effective alternative.

Unlike standard medications that may take weeks to work, ketamine acts on different brain pathways and can begin improving depressive symptoms much more rapidly, as well. Infusion is completed in the office under medical supervision at dosages tailored to each person’s unique needs for optimal results and peace of mind.

If you’re struggling with depressive symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional treatments, it might be time to consider ketamine therapy. To learn if infusion treatment is right for you, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Revival Infusion Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, today.