The types of depression are much wider than the general public imagines. This disorder is not a single disease with a specific face; Rather, it includes a wide range of mood disorders, each of which has different symptoms, causes, and patterns. Understanding these differences is very important, as an accurate diagnosis is the first and most critical step in choosing the most effective course of treatment. A better understanding of depression helps us to face this challenge with a more open vision and to know that there are special treatment solutions for each type of depression. Major depressive disorder (MDD): one of the most well-known types of depression Major Depressive Disorder is what most people think of when they hear the word "depression". Its main characteristic is a period of at least two weeks of very low mood, with loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. This condition is accompanied by symptoms such as extreme changes in sleep and appetite, extreme fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms must be severe enough to seriously disrupt a person's social, occupational, and daily functioning. We all experience periods of sadness in our lives. These reactions are a natural part of being human. But the key difference is in their intensity, duration and impact. Grief usually occurs in response to a specific event and fades over time. On the other hand, a major depressive episode is a pervasive disease state that can appear for no apparent reason and completely destroys a person's ability to experience positive emotions and requires specialized intervention. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) Persistent Depressive Disorder, which used to be called dysthymia or depression, is a type of low and chronic mood. This type of depression follows a person like a permanent shadow and lasts for at least two years. Its symptoms are less severe than the basic type, but due to their long-term persistence, they can be extremely debilitating. People with this disorder are often described as grumpy, pessimistic, or always unhappy, when in fact they are facing a serious psychological challenge. One of the main risks in persistent depressive disorder is the risk of double depression. This happens when a person with chronic low mood also experiences a full blown major depression at some point in their life. In this case, the person is dealing with both chronic symptoms and acute and severe symptoms, which makes the treatment more complicated. The warning signs in this situation are: - Low self-esteem and constant feeling of inadequacy - A feeling of extreme hopelessness about the future - Chronic sleep and energy problems - Reducing productivity and motivation in the long term Types of depression related to specific conditions and situations Seasonal affective disorder is a type of mood disorder that has a specific seasonal pattern. This condition usually starts in autumn and winter seasons when the daylight is less, and improves in spring and summer. Its symptoms are similar to the basic type, but with severe fatigue and cravings for carbohydrates. Its main cause is attributed to the disruption of the circadian rhythm of the body and the reduction of serotonin levels in the brain due to the lack of sunlight, and for this reason, light therapy is one of the effective treatments for it. ### Psychological challenges during pregnancy and postpartum This period of a woman's life can be associated with significant psychological challenges. Hormonal changes, new responsibilities and social pressures can all lead to mood problems. These conditions, which are generally called perinatal mood disorders, need special attention. Common symptoms during this period include: - Extreme anxiety and excessive worry about the baby's health - Unreasonable crying and extreme mood swings - Difficulty in communicating emotionally with the baby - Feeling guilty or incompetent about the role of mother Other types of depression you should know Psychotic depression is a severe form of major depression in which, in addition to mood symptoms, a person also suffers psychotic symptoms. These symptoms can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist externally) or delusions (fixed, false beliefs). The content of these illusions and delusions is usually in harmony with the personality of the person and includes themes such as guilt, illness or poverty. This condition is a psychiatric emergency and requires immediate treatment. ### Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe and debilitating form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In the case of depression, women experience severe mood symptoms such as extreme irritability, anxiety, sadness, and feeling out of control in the week leading up to their menstrual period. These symptoms are so severe that they disrupt the relationships and daily functioning of the person, and they improve quickly with the onset of the menstrual period. This disorder indicates the extreme sensitivity of the brain to natural hormonal fluctuations. Nurali: specialized reference for modern treatments of depression Types of depression have completely different faces. For this reason, a single treatment approach cannot be effective for everyone. The best treatment plan is a personalized one based on an accurate diagnosis, severity of symptoms, life circumstances and patient preferences. At Neurali Clinic, understanding this complexity, we use a combination of advanced treatment methods such as neurofeedback and magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) along with other approaches to achieve the best results for each individual. Knowing the types of depression correctly is the key to successful treatment.