Disorder	Your Score
Major Depression:	Moderate
Dysthymia:	Moderate
Bipolar Disorder:	Slight-Moderate
Cyclothymia:	Moderate
Seasonal Affective Disorder:	High-Moderate
Postpartum Depression:	N/A

 

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Info segment

 

Major Depression

Major depression is a mental health disorder which causes prolonged feelings of despair, worthlessness, irritability, and fatigue (see a more complete set of depression symptoms below). Major depression can strike at any age, although it is most common in young adulthood. Both men and women can experience major depression, however the disorder is more common in women.

Depression is sometimes called the "common cold" of mental health, because it is so common--nearly 10% of the population suffers from a depressive illness in any given year, according to NIMH. It is the leading cause of disability in the US and worldwide, according to the WHO. And though effective treatments exist for depression, many people continue to suffer in silence.

 

Symptoms of Major Depression

• Despair and hopelessness
• Little motivation to complete even simple tasks
• Thoughts or attempts of suicide
• Low self-esteem and self-confidence
• Low energy levels, tired and run-down
• Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, waking and can't fall back asleep
• Daily life is severely affected
• Loss of drive
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
• Symptoms last longer than two months

 

Dysthymia

Dysthymia, or dysthymic disorder, is a clinical diagnosis of moderate, persistent depression. Sufferers do not routinely experience the extremes of major depression, but the duration can be much longer. Dysthymia does not often inhibit normal activities.

The depression experienced in dysthymia sufferers tends appear almost as a personality trait. They tend to be self-critical and negative, with low self-esteem. Many dysthymics are unable to recall the last time they felt happy. According to UCSF an estimated 6% of the population will experience dysthymic disorder in their lifetimes.

 

Symptoms of Dysthymia

• Long-term depression, sadness, anxiety
• Fatigue, difficulty falling asleep or waking and not being able to fall back asleep
• Problems with memory or concentration
• Low self-esteem, guilt, or negative thinking; self-critical
• Depression seems part of one's personality, gloomy, no joy
• Unable to remember last time one was happy, confident, or inspired
• Unexpected weight loss or gain, eating problems
• Symptoms present for over two years

 

Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder results in dramatic mood swings in the sufferer. This psychological disorder is characterized by perpetual shifts between manic and depressive phases. During the manic phase, one may feel unnaturally confident, energetic, and out of control. The depressive phase shares many symptoms with major depression.

In a given year approximately one percent of the population will experience bipolar disorder, according to NIMH. The disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. Bipolar is the only depressive disorder that is not heavily skewed toward women.

 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic Phase

• Little sleep, plenty of energy
• Exaggerated optimism, excessive self-confidence, euphoric mood
• Engaging in wreckless, inappropriate behavior
• Promiscuity, ual aggression
• Distractible, unable to concentrate, too many ideas
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Increased irritability
• Manic phase lasts at least one week

Depressive Phase

• Deep despair, suicidal thoughts or actions
• Anger or fear due to uncontrollable mood swings
• Feelings of guilt, low self-esteem
• Difficulty falling asleep, restless sleeping, over-sleeping
• Diminished drive
• Loss of interest in formerly-enjoyed activities
• Eating disorders, unexpected weight gain or loss
• Physical pains not associated with a known illness

 

 

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by mood fluctuations that shift between depressive and hypomanic phases. Cyclothymics do not experience the extremes of major depression or manic episodes.

 

The depressive or hypomania symptoms of cyclothymia may last for a few days to several weeks at a time, with brief intervals of normal mood in between. Personality changes are often evident to family and friends. Individuals who have a stable mood for longer than two months at a time are not likely cyclothymic. Symptoms may be mimicked by substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, or other mood disorder. A family history of depressive or bipolar disorders increases the risk.

Symptoms of Cyclothymia

Hypomanic Phase

• Excessive confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced ability to concentrate, easily distracted
• Sleep difficulties, excessive energy
• Heightened irritability
• Reduced inhibitions, may make foolish decisions
• Hypomania lasts between several days and several weeks

Depressive Phase

• Feelings of inadequacy, low self-confidence
• Difficulty falling asleep, unrestful sleep
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Negative thinking, feelings of guilt and sadness
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
• Depression lasting between several days and several weeks

The cycling between phases must be present for at least two years for a diagnosis (one year for teenagers). Work and family life are often negatively affected by the shifting moods.

 

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a distinct form of depression triggered by the reduced level of sunlight during the winter months. As its name implies, the disorder is experienced seasonally and clears up with the onset of spring, which may bring about a mild manic phase. Prevalence increases at higher latitudes. SAD is rare within 30 degrees of the equator.

Seasonal Affective Disorder most often occurs in younger people, women in particular. Many people are not even aware of this diagnosis and do not seek treatment. All seems well again when the depression lifts in the spring. However effective treatment exists for SAD, so nobody has to suffer needlessly during the winter months.

 

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Excessive sleeping, fatigue
• Eating more, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain
• Avoidance of others, withdrawl
• Depressive symptoms, i.e. low self-esteem, low motivation, sadness
• Decreased drive
• Onset in the fall and early winter
• Has occurred in each of the last two years

 

 

Postpartum Depression

Mild depressive symptoms are common among women following the birth of a child. However if these feelings are severe, the woman may be suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a form of major depression experienced by an estimated one in eight mothers. Effective treatments exist for this condition.

Postpartum depression ranges in severity from mild to severe. Severe cases may be diagnosed as postpartum psychosis, a rare disorder characterized by violent thoughts, delusions, and bizarre thinking. This illness became more well-known as the media followed the Andrea Yates case.

 

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

• Fatigue, irregular sleep
• Feelings of low self-worth, guilt, or depression
• Spontaneous crying
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Thoughts of violence
• Lack of interest in the new child
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Symptoms appear one week to six months following a birth

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Specific causes are not known, however certain factors are well-correlated with postpartum. The following factors may contribute: exhaustion from childcare, altered relationship within the family, loss of independence, family history of depressive disorders, hormonal disturbances following pregnancy, low income and financial stress or stress caused by work vs. home issues, and poor relationship with the child's father. Financially stable women in healthy marriages are affected least often.