Are there different types of depression?

There are several types of depression and these will be briefly described.  The main distinction is Bipolar and Unipolar forms of depression.

Bipolar depression is a part of what is called Bipolar Affective Disorder.  Another term for this is Manic Depressive Illness.  It is not as common as the Unipolar form of depression and is characterized by mood swings from states of depression to states of euphoria with periods of normalcy.  Bipolar illness occurs equally in men and women.  A milder form is referred to as cyclothymia in which the mood swings are not as severe but still disruptive to a person's life.

Individuals who suffer from this type of mood disorder can also experience "high" or euphoric moods that can persist for many weeks.  In addition to a change in mood, other symptoms can occur and can include:

   * racing thoughts, rapid speech
   * increased energy
   * decreased need for sleep
   * grandiose ideas
   * overconfidence
   * increased sexual feelings

States of mania can be very dangerous.  Awareness that one is ill is less likely, since the changed mood state is usually pleasurable.  However, judgment is impaired and may lead the person to do dangerous things such as driving too fast in a reckless fashion, spending too much money, or making bad business deals.  Hospitalization is usually required but the individual who is ill does often not recognize this as necessary.

There are very effective drugs available to courteract the state of mania and recovery is usually rapid.  Prevention of further episodes is also very possible.

Unipolar depression is characterized by the state of depression only and is also referred to as a major depression, biological depression, or biochemical depression.  It can occur in many forms such as:

   * a single episode only
   * recurrent episodes
   * be very severe and incapacitating
   * can be triggering by childbirth (post-partum depression) or other events
         such as a severe viral infection, major surgery
   * can occur in children and appear as a behavior problem
   * can occur in elderly persons who appear to be senile

What causes depression?

The exact cause of depression is not known.  There are multiple factors that can have an adverse effect on the brain and its functions.  Some of these factors are:

Heredity: It is known that some types of mood disorders run in families, in
          particular, bipolar affective disorder.  If so, about 15-20% of first line 
          relatives seem to be affected.  The hereditary factor can be stronger in
          some families than in others.  The illness can skip several generations,
          then suddenly reappear

Physical Factors: Anything that can affect brain function can contribute to
          to a depressive illness.  This may include injury at birth, a severe viral
          illness, or a head injury.  Some drugs, both medical and non-medical
          can induce depression.  Medical drugs such as those used for high
          blood pressure, acid blockers for the stomach or steroids are 
          commonly associated with depression.  The abuse of alcohol, 
          marijuana, cocaine or speed can also cause depression.  Some
          physical illnesses can also induce a state a depression such as thyroid
          dysfunction.

Psychological Factors:  also plays a very important role.  Individuals who 
          have had traumatic experiences as children seem to be more 
          vulnerable to develop depression as adults.  Severe psychological
          stress can induce a state of depression.  A state of grief can become
          prolonged, and if unresolved, may develop into a depressive illness.