Major depression is a mood disorder with emotional, mental, and physical symptoms. Major depression is also referred to as unipolar depression.

Because the symptoms of major depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, the terms mild depression or moderate depression are often used even when the diagnosis is major depression.

Major Depression Subtypes

Major depression can also be divided into subtypes such as atypical depression, melancholic depression, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

Major Depression Symptoms

The symptoms vary in severity. Not everyone has all of the symptoms. The symptoms of major depression usually develop gradually - over several days or weeks. There may be symptoms of mild depression or anxiety for months before an episode of major depression. Early treatment can prevent much suffering.

Most people associate major depression with a sad mood, but often one experiences an empty mood or loss of interest and pleasure in any activity. This symptom varies in severity - from reduced pleasure or a total inability to feel pleasure. An inability to feel pleasure may result in an extreme lack of motivation. A depressed person may fluctuate between feeling empty and sad. If the depression is severe, a person may lack the motivation or energy to get out of bed - or sadness and other symptoms may be too much to cope with. One may try to sleep to escape the suffering.

Diagnosing Major Depression: To meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression, one must have at least five of the symptoms listed below for at least two weeks. (An abnormal mood must be one of the symptoms for a diagnosis of major depression - this may be either a depressed or irritable mood or loss of interest and pleasure)

Symptoms of Major Depression:
Depressed mood (depressed or irritable mood in those 18 or younger)
Loss of interest or reduced interest and pleasure in activities
Appetite or weight disturbances
Sleep disturbances – too little or too much
Activity disturbances – either abnormal slowing or agitation
Fatigue / lack of energy
Guilt (for no reason)
Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety often co-exists with major depression. See Anxiety and Depression for symptoms of anxiety.

In addition to the above symptoms, depression may also cause a wide range of other physical symptoms, such as indigestion, constipation, headaches, backaches.

Even if the symptoms point to major depression, tests should be taken to rule out other medical disorders such as low thyroid function.

Early treatment is important! An episode of major depression lasts an average of 9 months, however, the duration of a major depressive episode varies from person to person and episode to episode. Treatment can relieve symptoms and hasten recovery. Though some people only have one episode, major depression often recurs and the finding effective ways to treat it may prevent future suffering. Even if one never has another episode, there is no reason to suffer for months.

Depression can gradually get worse if left untreated, and up to 15% of people with severe major depression commit suicide. Go to Depression Treatment.

Subtypes of Major Depression:

Atypical Depression:

Despite its name, atypical depression is a very common form of major depression.

What distinguishes atypical depression from other subtypes of major depression is the person reacts to positive events or social interactions with a temporary brightening of mood.

In addition to a reactive mood, two of the following symptoms are present:

Increased appetite or weight gain.
Sleeping too much (at least 2 hours more than normal)
Heavy, laden feeling in the arms and legs
Over sensitivity to personal rejection

Melancholic depression:

This is a severe form of major depression.

There is no brightening of mood in response to positive events.
Mood is usually worst in the morning.
There is often substantial weight loss and insomnia.
Substantial physical slowing down or agitation.

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Depression Subtypes

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