Aging, Systemic Disease and Oral Health: Implications for Women Worldwide (Part II)
Course Number: 330
Course Contents
Types of Depressive Disorders
There are many classifications of depression and major depressive disorders along with dysthymic disorders are the most commonly identified.86
Major depressive disorders are also known as major depression; collectively symptoms impact one’s ability to function, work, and enjoy life. This type of depression becomes disabling; it may occur only once or recur throughout a lifespan. 86
Dysthymic disorders are typically characterized as lasting two or more years; altering normal functioning, yet not totally creating disability. Episodes involving major depression tend to occur often during a lifetime.86
Other characteristics of depression are classified as:
Postpartum depression can be diagnosed one month after a new mother delivers a baby.86 Altshuler and colleagues85 report 10-15% of women suffer with this depressive episode after delivery.
Psychotic depression represents a form of psychosis; delusions and hallucinations usually coexist with severe depression.86
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be characterized by depression experienced during the winter season. Oftentimes, light therapy is used in combination with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy to reduce SAD symptoms.87
Bipolar disorders are also known as manic-depressive illnesses and appear not as common as major depressive disorders. They are characterized by mood swings with extreme highs known as mania to very extreme lows classified as depression.86