| Depressive disorders come in different | | | | elated, full of grand schemes that might |
| forms, just as in the case with other | | | | range from unwise business decisions to |
| illnesses such as heart disease. This | | | | romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, |
| pamphlet briefly describes three of the | | | | may worsen to a psychotic state. |
| most common types of depressive | | | | Symptoms of Depression |
| disorders. However, within these types | | | | Not everyone who is depressed or manic |
| there are variations in the number of | | | | experiences every symptom. Some people |
| symptoms, their severity, and | | | | experience a few symptoms, some many. |
| persistence. | | | | Severity of symptoms varies with |
| Major depression is manifested by a | | | | individuals and also varies over time. |
| combination of symptoms (see symptom | | | | DEPRESSION |
| list) that interfere with the ability to | | | | Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood |
| work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once | | | | |
| pleasurable activities. Such a disabling | | | | Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism |
| episode of depression may occur only | | | | Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, |
| once but more commonly occurs several | | | | helplessness |
| times in a lifetime.Learn more about | | | | Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies |
| major depression now. | | | | and activities that were once enjoyed, |
| A less severe type of depression, | | | | including sex |
| dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic | | | | Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed |
| symptoms that do not disable, but keep | | | | down" |
| one from functioning well or from | | | | Difficulty concentrating, remembering, |
| feeling good. Many people with dysthymia | | | | or making decisions |
| also experience major depressive | | | | Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or |
| episodes at some time in their lives. | | | | oversleeping |
| Another type of depression is bipolar | | | | Appetite and/or weight loss or |
| disorder, also called manic-depressive | | | | overeating and weight gain |
| illness. Not nearly as prevalent as | | | | Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide |
| other forms of depressive disorders, | | | | attempts |
| bipolar disorder is characterized by | | | | Restlessness, irritability |
| cycling mood changes: severe highs | | | | Persistent physical symptoms that do not |
| (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes | | | | respond to treatment, such as headaches, |
| the mood switches are dramatic and | | | | digestive disorders, and chronic pain |
| rapid, but most often they are gradual. | | | | MANIA |
| When in the depressed cycle, an | | | | Abnormal or excessive elation |
| individual can have any or all of the | | | | Unusual irritability |
| symptoms of a depressive disorder. When | | | | Decreased need for sleep |
| in the manic cycle, the individual may | | | | Grandiose notions |
| be overactive, overtalkative, and have a | | | | Increased talking |
| great deal of energy. Mania often | | | | Racing thoughts |
| affects thinking, judgment, and social | | | | Increased sexual desire |
| behavior in ways that cause serious | | | | Markedly increased energy |
| problems and embarrassment. For example, | | | | Poor judgment |
| the individual in a manic phase may feel | | | | Inappropriate social behavior |