Depressive Disorders 101

We often hear the term "Depression" as it's frequently used to describe a mood or emotion. The joyless sadness of depression hardly needs description, so common is its part in the human condition. In technical terms it is described as a symptom of a syndrome or psychological disorder and only the duration separates the mood from the symptom. When this feeling of depression is present consistently for long periods of time it is considered a symptom of a depressive disorder.
There is a long tradition of categorizing depression into types, and there are a number of diagnostic schemes currently in use. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) has long been the predominant diagnostic framework used by psychologists and psychiatrists in North America now for several decades.
Major Depression
This is what people have in mind when referring to "clinical depression." When the symptoms of depression are present and significant for most of the day, at least, and for a minimum of 2 weeks, they may have a Major Depression. This category of depression is further divided into Major Depressive Disorder Single Episode and Recurrent subtypes.
Dysthymia
This is a generally milder, but more enduring type of depression. While Sufferers may not exhibit their symptoms every day, but rather on most days for a period of at least two years.
Bipolar Disorder
Formerly known as Manic Depression, in Bipolar disorder, individuals either alternate depressive lows with manic or hypomanic up-swings, or experience a so-called "mixed mood states" where they exhibit features of depression and mania at the same time.
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Formerly recognized as "reactive depression," this is a depressive response to a life stress that is more severe than expected for the type of stress experienced.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Often discussed in the media as if it is a unique disorder, this is a variation of either depression or bipolar disorder where the episodes coincide with seasonal changes.
Psychotic Depression
This is a variation of Major Depression where, with increased severity, psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) are exhibited.
Post-Partum Depression
Another variation of Major Depression that is precipitated by childbirth in women. While not usually applied to men, a post-partum reaction among new fathers might be better accounted for as an adjustment disorder, or understood in terms of "separation anxiety."
While some are less affected by depression others may suffer greatly. We hope this article provided some insight about various disorders and if do suffer from any of these don't hesitate to a qualified professional for assistance.

Finding Depression Cures That Work

Everyone feels blue from time to time, but when those sometimes blues turn into everyday down-in-the-dumps, you should begin to seek out depression cures that work. Depression is a true mental condition that is marked by changes in sleeping and eating patterns, feelings of helplessness and guilt, increased anxiety and anger, and more. Suicide attempts are also far more common for those with this condition than others. When you are facing this issue yourself, you know that you are pulling away from others and losing interest in life, and that in itself can feel scary. You may find that you feel like you are in a hole and simply cannot pull yourself up. There are, however, some depression cures that can set you on the right path.
Medical Attention. First, it is absolutely imperative that you pick up the phone today and make an appointment to talk to your doctor about your condition. The fact is that hundreds of millions of people around the globe suffer from this condition, and your doctor will not think anything less of you for seeking out the help you need. Your doctor can help you get on the right medication that will have you feeling far better in no time at all. In fact, many who first get on antidepressants notice that they feel worlds better in just days.
Natural Solutions. While you absolutely do not want to cut corners and want to make the most of your doctor's visit, there are some extra measures you can take at home to enhance your depression cures. In addition to taking any medication that your doctor has prescribed, you will also want to make an effort to spend a few more minutes out in the sunshine each day. The sun boosts vitamin D production in your body, which has a positive effect on your mood. Then you will want to make an effort to eat healthier, more natural foods, and to increase the amount of exercise and sleep you get. Your overall health and fitness level has a lot to do with your mood, as diet, sleep, and exercise all help to regulate mood-altering chemicals in the brain.
Therapy It is common for people to enter into a state of depression when the stresses of life become too much to bear. There are times in most people's lives when it seems life just knocks you down, but that life also just keeps kicking you while you are down, too. During these times, you may feel depressed and like you just cannot cope. In addition to following the medical advice of your doctor, you may want to seek out therapy for depression cures that can help you better manage stress and deal with life's issues.

While you may feel as though your life is just hopeless and there is no point in going on another day, you should grasp on to the knowledge that there are many depression cures available to you. In fact, when you make an appointment to see a doctor today, you will be on the right path to feeling much more like your old self in just a few days.