There are different types of clinical depression. The three main types are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.

Major depression is also known as unipolar depression.

Some physicians specify a subtype when diagnosing this mood disorder.

Subtypes of major depression include atypical depression, melancholic depression, postpartum depression, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), SAD (seasonal affective disorder) vascular depression, psychotic depression, and more.

Dysthymia is mild long-term depression that has lasted at least two years, or one-year in a child or teenager. (There may be short periods of relief). It often goes undiagnosed for several years and is often undertreated.

Bipolar disorder involves not only episodes of depression, but also episodes of mania. Bipolar I is the classical form of this mood disorder. Bipolar II is a milder form involving episodes of depression and hypomania.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood - An adjustment disorder is caused by a stressful event or change in one's life, beginning within three months of the stressful event. Though the stressful event is usually negative even positive events (a wedding, having a baby) can trigger an adjustment disorder. Many, but not all, adjustment disorders involve a depressed mood.

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