• Feelings of hopelessness, extreme guilt, or worthlessness
• Can Loss of interest, apathy, or social isolation
• Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or memory loss
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Fatigue and lack of concentration
• Physical aches or pain
• Anxiety, angry outbursts, or frustration
• Suicidal thinking or thoughts of death

Depression is a complex illness that can occur in anyone at any stage of life. Current research indicates that a number of factors can contribute to someone developing a depressive disorder. These factors include: situational changes, emotional trauma, hormonal changes, genetics, and physical changes (such as injury or stroke) to the brain. Changes in brain chemistry or function can affect neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and glutamate) and the interaction of neural pathways within the brain that are known to regulate mood and determine how you think, feel, act, and react. Individual neural pathways comprise various neural networks that vary in composition and function.  When these neural networks are weakened or damaged – mood disorders like depression can occur.

There are many types of depression that can be defined based on length of time experiencing symptoms, circumstances surrounding the onset of symptoms, and the overall severity of the symptoms. These types of depression are categorized by the American Psychiatric Association in a clinical resource called the DSM-5-TR. Below are some of the depression types that Faraday Health helps our patients manage.

Situational Depression is a depressive state brought on by stress as the result of life circumstances such as a change in job, housing, relationships, or financial means. Depression of this category dissipates when the previously negative situation or stressful circumstance finds a positive resolution.

Major Depression (MDD) is defined by the previously mentioned symptoms of depressed mood, hopelessness, and loss of interests that interfere with your daily activities such as your job, family, self care habits, and other responsibilities. While diagnosis only requires symptoms to remain persistent for greater than 2 weeks – Major Depression episodes can oftentimes span months, years, or even decades when left improperly treated.

Persistent depression (PDD) this disorder consists of less severe depressive symptoms such as experiencing a sense of persistent exhaustion, lack of motivation, and a generally low mood. These symptoms tend to last 2 years or more.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that occurs after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression does not only affect those who have given birth, but can also affect surrogates and adoptive parents as well. It’s believed that the depressive state is brought about as the result of hormonal, emotional, physical, financial, and social changes that can occur after having a baby.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is sometimes known as “winter depression.” The depressive symptoms often begin in the fall as the days become shorter and tend to be most severe during December, January and February. In most cases, the symptoms of SAD begin to improve in the spring, often before ceasing all together.

Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is a depressive disorder marked by the existence of a major depressive episode (a depressive state lasting longer than 2 weeks) which finds no remission after the attempted use of at least two antidepressant medications.