What Are Depressive Disorders?
Depressive disorders, known more commonly as depression, are interrelated mental health conditions that cause depressive symptoms and episodes. Though the general concept of depression and its symptoms is well-established culturally, misconceptions and a lack of differentiation between the different types of depressive disorders are just as widespread.
There isn’t one single, exact cause of depressive disorders; previous research leaned toward a serotonin deficiency-related origin, but modern consensus views depressive disorders as conditions with multiple contributing factors.
As such, mental health professionals in clinical and research settings acknowledge depressive disorders may have a hereditary, dietary, neurological, social, and even weather-pattern-related basis.
What Are the Types of Depression?
Depression isn’t a single condition, but rather a collection of closely related depressive disorders. Some of the most commonly recognized depressive disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder: This is what most people think of when they hear the word “depression.” Symptoms of major depressive disorder include a combination of low or depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interest, weight or appetite changes, sleep changes, low energy, fatigue, feeling fidgety or slowed, experiencing worthlessness or guilt, challenges with concentration or thought, and thoughts of death. Those struggling with major depressive symptoms are at high risk of developing chronic physical health conditions alongside what they’re already experiencing emotionally. Major depressive symptoms must be present for more than 2 weeks to be formally diagnosed by a provider.
- Psychotic depression: This disorder is a subtype of major depression, but with features of psychosis, including hearing or seeing things that other people do not, or experiencing delusions. Psychotic depression is perhaps the most serious of all depressive disorders because it can increase the risk of self-harm and worsened psychosis.
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Persistent Depressive Disorder also known as Dysthymia is a type of depressive state that persists for two years or more. This depressive disorder presents common depressive symptoms (low energy, poor mood, lack of motivation) and can vary in intensity, but it must be present for at least two years in order for a provider to make a professional diagnosis. Though individuals with PDD may know how to navigate their symptoms, professional help is still needed to treat PDD effectively.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is a form of depression caused by seasonal shifts in daylight hours and temperature. Though SAD is a condition that more commonly develops in the winter, summertime SAD is also recognized. The diagnostic criteria for SAD are the same as major depression, but in addition, a client’s depressed mood and loss of interest must drastically decrease or dissipate with the arrival of a change in season, such as passing from winter to spring. An individual must have also experienced a seasonal depressive pattern for two years or more.
- Peripartum depression: Peripartum depression affects women during pregnancy and following childbirth. This is an umbrella term encompassing prenatal depression (during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (after birth).
Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Depression?
Those who are at most risk of developing depression include:
- People with a family history of mental health conditions, especially depressive disorders
- Individuals already suffering from another type of mood disorder
- People with a past history of trauma or abuse
- Those with chronic physical ailments such as COPD or diabetes
- People who have suffered a brain injury or have imbalances in their brain chemistry
- Those with low self-esteem or chronic anxiety
- People with a history of self-harm, especially teens
Additionally, individual factors or life circumstances or transitions may make someone more susceptible to developing depression. The most productive way for people to gauge their full risk of developing a depressive disorder is to talk with a mental health professional who can evaluate and diagnose them.
What Exactly Causes Depression?
Depression is a complex and multifaceted condition influenced by various biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Common causes of depression include:
- Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of depression are more at risk of developing depression. Additionally, structural and functional abnormalities in certain brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, have been observed in those with depression, suggesting a neurological basis for the disorder.
- Traumatic life events: Experiences such as loss, abuse, or chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate depressive episodes.
- Ongoing life stressors: Consistent stressors like financial difficulties, relationship problems, or work-related stress can contribute to the development of depression.
- Social factors: Lack of social support, isolation, or strained interpersonal relationships can foster feelings of loneliness and despair, worsening depressive symptoms.
- Cultural and societal influences: Cultural factors like stigma surrounding mental health and limited access to mental healthcare services, in addition to socioeconomic determinants of health, can impact the prevalence and manifestation of depression within communities.
It’s important to recognize that depression is a highly individualized experience, and what causes or exacerbates it can vary widely from person to person. Because of this, depression treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
What Happens to Most People with Depression? Do Most People Survive Depression?
Most people do survive depression, particularly with the right combination of treatment, support, and self-care. Depression affects millions of people worldwide, but it is also highly treatable.
Treatment options such as medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes have been shown to be highly effective. Prognoses improve significantly when individuals seek help early and adhere to their treatment plans.
While depression is a chronic condition for some, many people experience substantial improvement in their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Resilience, coping strategies, help from a mental health professional, and continuous support systems further enhance the likelihood of overcoming depression.