Depression in Medical Terms

I’ve had a few people ask me about the types of depression and how major depression is diagnosed. As you read this, please keep in mind that I have no medical background. If you suspect that you might be suffering from depression or any other mental illness, please seek help.

(Sorry that this entry is so long!!!)

Major Depression - This is the most serious type of depression, in terms of number of symptoms and severity of symptoms, but there are significant individual differences in the symptoms and severity. The direct DMS-IV states that major depression is:

(A) Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1)depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Note: Do note include symptoms that are clearly due to a general medical condition, or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations.

1. depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood.
2. markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others)
3. significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: In children, consider failure to make expected weight gains.
4. insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5. psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down)
6. fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
8. diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)
9. recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide

(B) The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episode.

(C) The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

(D) The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism).

(E) The symptoms are not better accounted for by Bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.

Major depression can be a single episode or recurrent. In order for it to be recurrent there must be must be an interval of at least two consecutive months in which criteria are not met for a Major Depressive Episode.

Other types of depression – a very quick overview

Dysthymic Disorder - This refers to a low to moderate level of depression that persists for at least two years, and often longer. While the symptoms are not as severe as a major depression, they are more enduring and resistant to treatment. Some people with dysthymia develop a major depression at some time during the course of their depression.

Unspecified Depression - This category is used to help researchers who are studying other specific types of depression, and do not want their data confounded with marginal diagnoses. It includes people with a serious depression, but not quite severe enough to have a diagnosis of a major depression. It also includes people with chronic, moderate depression, which has not been present long enough for a diagnosis of a Dysthymic disorder.

Adjustment Disorder, with Depression - This category describes depression that occurs in response to a major life stressor or crisis.

Bipolar Depression - This type includes both high and low mood swings, as well as a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other depressions.

Atypical Depression -This type of depression is very common in women. The feeling of depression will get better for a period and then worsen again. The symptoms of oversleeping, overeating, hypersensitivity to rejection (especially romantic rejection), and intermittent panic attacks, are characteristic of atypical depression. This type of depression usually begins in adolescence and, if untreated, will often continue throughout life.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) - PPD is thought to be a form of major depression. This is due to the similarity of symptoms in the two conditions. About 10 percent of new mothers develop postpartum depression. It is most common in women who have already experienced some form of depressive illness. Most women suffer from a down feeling the first few days after giving birth. However, those with postpartum depression experience symptoms that are more prolonged, severe, and disabling. If not treated, postpartum depression can last for months or years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) -Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a subtype of depression. Research suggests that SAD arises from some people's sensitivity to seasonal changes in the amount of available daylight. People sometimes react emotionally to changes in the amount of daylight available. For example, with less sunlight in the winter, some individuals become depressed, sad and irritable. They want to sleep a lot and eat constantly. When spring arrives with more daylight hours, their mood enhances; they feel better and start getting their energy back.

For more information please visit:

• Mental Health Books
• Mental Health Websites