Depression is a serious mental condition, but unlike other diseases, it can be a bit ambiguous. Emotions and feelings are not as cut and dry as other medical conditions that require a simple X-Ray or blood test to diagnose. Depression can take many shapes, and there are multiple different kinds of depression that affect people in different ways. With that in mind, here are a few of the most common forms of depression.
Major Depressive Disorder
If you are feeling depressed a majority of the time, it may be major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder is a serious and long-term form of depression that should be treated as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of major depressive disorder include weight fluctuations, issues sleeping or oversleeping, a feeling of restless agitation or sluggish fatigue, a loss of interest in activities and everyday tasks, issues with decision making and concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, make sure to contact a medical professional today for treatment.
Persistent Depressive Disorder or Chronic Depression
Depression can come and go in waves. For weeks you can escape the dark cloud of depression, only for symptoms to suddenly return in full force. With persistent depressive disorder, the cloud of depression is permanently anchored directly above you, with little breaks from the darkness. Persistent depressive disorder is a depression spell that lasts 2 years or longer, combining conditions of chronic major depressive disorder and dysthymia, which is a low impact persistent depression. Some of the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder is a change in appetite, low self-esteem, indecision, a feeling of hopelessness, sleeping too much or too little, and chronic fatigue.
Bipolar Disorder aka Manic Depression
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that consists of extreme mood swings between high manic episodes and low periods. While the manic phase consists of high energy that is not similar to depression, the low period shares a lot of symptoms with major depressive disorder. There are a variety of medications available to help treat both the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, so see a medical professional for assistance.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The energy the sun brings to us every day can strongly affect the way people feel. In San Diego, we are lucky to have an abundance of sunshine no matter the month, but in most locations winter means the sun goes into hibernation. This lack of sunshine can lead to seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that is caused by a lack of sunshine. There are light treatments for those feeling the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder that simulate the feeling of sunshine.
Depression Treatment Studies at Synergy Research Center
If you are feeling symptoms of depression, Synergy Research Centers can help. We are running depression clinical research studies at both our Lemon Grove locations in San Diego, providing depression treatment free of cost. If you or someone you know is battling depression, have them sign up for a research study at Synergy today. For more information, give us a call at (888) 619-7272.