Understanding Depression: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Study Notes

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of joy.
There are several forms of depression, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and postpartum depression.
Major depression is the most common type and is characterized by a constant state of sadness.
Persistent depressive disorder is a type of depression that causes symptoms that last for at least 2 years.
Postpartum depression is a more severe form of depression that can last for months or years.
Depression can also occur as a symptom or comorbidity with another mental health condition.
Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder.
People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression that may last weeks.
They also experience periods of mania, which is an elevated mood that may cause a person to feel very happy, aggressive, or out of control.
A qualified health professional can rule out various causes, ensure an accurate diagnosis, and provide safe and effective treatment.
They will ask questions about symptoms, such as how long they have been present.
A doctor may also conduct an examination to check for physical causes and order a blood test to rule out other health conditions.
Mental health professionals often ask people to complete questionnaires to help assess the severity of their depression.
The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, for example, has 21 questions.
The Beck Depression Inventory is another questionnaire that helps mental health professionals measure a person’s symptoms.