Types Of Depression: Can Adults Experience Multiple Levels Of Depression?

Medically reviewed by April Justice
Updated February 27, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you may wonder how to move forward. Major depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of US adults. However, while many people live with depression, this condition can affect adults differently depending on an individual’s lifestyle, depressive disorder subtype, or symptoms.

To better understand this condition, it can be helpful to look at the depressive disorders listed in the DSM-5 and how to find support for these unique conditions. 

What is depression? 

Depression is more than sadness. As a diagnosable mental illness, depression is a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition that can affect all dimensions of daily life, including work, school, self-care, and relationships. 

The symptoms of depression can be mild, moderate, or severe and may include but are not limited to the following: 

  • Low energy and mood
  • Sadness or grief throughout the day
  • Guilt or shame 
  • Thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness 
  • Loss of interest in former hobbies or other enjoyable activities
  • Sleep challenges, whether oversleeping or experiencing insomnia
  • Changes in appetite
  • Restlessness
  • Challenges with focus, memory, and decision-making
While many people live with depression, this condition can affect adults differently depending on the type of depression and other individual factors, such as a person’s lifestyle and connection to mental health care.
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Struggling to manage different levels of depression?

Depending on their specific diagnosis and life circumstances, adults can experience multiple levels of depression. In some cases, a person may be diagnosed with “double depression,” which occurs when someone with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia, experiences an episode of major depressive disorder (MDD). 

Types of depression 

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines ten depressive disorders that can be diagnosed by a professional, including the following: 

  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) 
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Substance or medication-induced depressive disorder
  • Depressive disorder due to another condition
  • Other specified depressive disorder
  • Unspecified depressive disorder
  • Postpartum depression (PPD) 
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) 

Each depressive disorder has unique symptoms and presentations. In addition, each person’s experience of depression is unique, and you may prefer to use additional language to describe your experience and symptoms. Below are further examinations of the most common depressive disorders.  

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as major depression or clinical depression, is one of the most common depression diagnoses, alongside PDD. 

To be diagnosed with MDD, a person must experience at least five symptoms, including a major depressive episode involving a depressed mood and loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities for at least two weeks. 

During a depressive episode, a person with MDD may experience other signs of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns, appetite, focus, and sense of self-worth.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

PDD is characterized by a continuous, long-term depressed mood throughout the day, for more days than not. This condition may also be called dysthymia, another term for chronic depression with less severe symptoms than MDD. In the DSM-5, however, PDD is the officially recognized term for this condition. 

To receive a diagnosis of PDD, a person’s depression symptoms must last for at least two years. Other diagnostic criteria for PDD include: 

  • The presence of two or more common symptoms of depression, as outlined in the DSM-5, such as poor appetite, thoughts of hopelessness, or low self-esteem
  • Persistent symptoms throughout the two years, not subsiding for more than two months at a time

While PDD is not as severe as major depressive disorder, the symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily life and well-being. 

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression affects parents after the birth of a child. Although this condition is commonly associated with mothers after childbirth, postpartum depression can affect people of all gender identities and adoptive and surrogate parents – not only the gestational parent. 

People experiencing postpartum depression may report feelings of guilt and anxiety about their ability to care for their child or themselves. Other common symptoms include frequent crying, irritability, fatigue, and intense emotional highs and lows, which may appear within a week after birth or develop gradually. 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

People living with SAD experience depressive episodes during certain seasons, commonly during the cold, dark winter months. The symptoms of SAD are like those of MDD and may include sleeping difficulties, changes in appetite and weight, and low mood and energy. 

Doctors often encourage individuals with SAD to get more sunlight during the winter months and prioritize a healthy, active lifestyle in addition to standard depression treatments like psychotherapy and medication. Light therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of this condition. 

Other specified or unspecified depressive disorder 

In the most recent version of the DSM-5, the authors replaced depression not otherwise specified (NOS) with two different terms to improve diagnosis: “other specific” and “unspecified.” If a person’s symptoms fall in the category of depressive disorders but do not meet the diagnostic criteria of any type, a physician may use these terms to describe their symptoms and prescribe a more personalized treatment. 

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How do physicians accurately diagnose depression?

Noting the different types of depression, individuals should consult a licensed physician or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis. Online resources for people with depression can serve as starting points, but only a medical professional is trained to properly examine, diagnose, and treat a person living with depression.

The DSM-5 offers a guiding framework for depression diagnoses. As noted previously, person’s symptoms may align with one type of depression or meet the criteria for double depression or unspecified depression. 

To make a diagnosis, your physician will ask about your current symptoms and health history and may also get information about your family’s health history and other factors that could influence your well-being and treatment plan. 

Although you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about your diagnosis, an empathic therapist or psychiatrist is trained to make you feel less alone and more informed about your treatment options. 

Treating depression

Treatments for depression can vary depending on your diagnosis but often involve a combination of therapy, medication, and other coping strategies or lifestyle changes recommended by your care team. 

Some of the most common treatments and coping strategies for depression include: 

  • Self-care: Regardless of your mental health status, self-care is an essential aspect of a healthy life. Importantly, self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate. Some simple ways to care for your mind, body, and soul include dancing, singing a favorite song, eating a snack, or even just drinking a glass of water. 
  • Lifestyle changes: After receiving a diagnosis of depression, some people choose to evaluate their current lifestyles and make healthy adjustments as needed. These could include more exercise and daylight, a greater emphasis on whole foods, or better sleep hygiene. 
  • Anti-depressant medications: Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) influence levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Medications can be helpful for some people, but always require a prescription and careful monitoring by a physician. 
  • Social support: Healthy relationships can improve your mental health and even help you manage the symptoms of depression. A large body of research highlights the value of social support to reduce the severity of depression symptoms and promote long-term recovery. 
  • Psychotherapy: Therapy is one of the most common and effective treatment options, particularly for people living with chronic or multiple levels of depression. 

If your symptoms are persistent and impacting several areas of your life, you may benefit from working with a psychotherapist to understand your diagnosis and develop strategies to enrich your daily life. 

Struggling to manage different levels of depression?

Support options 

Counseling or therapy may be an invaluable part of depression treatment. While some people prefer the traditional format of in-person therapy, others appreciate the convenience and flexibility of online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp. Online therapy platforms mean clients can reach out for support from their homes when it is difficult to get out of bed due to depression. 

Researchers continue to explore the value of online therapy in various studies, including a 2019 study of depression prevention via digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I). In previous studies, dCBT-I has effectively improved symptoms of insomnia and depression, and this study reaffirmed these findings. Based on a sample of 358 patients who received dCBT-I, depression severity was significantly lower at the one-year follow-up compared to the control group, and depression remission rates were 51% higher. 

Online therapy programs have the potential to address a range of mental health conditions while reaching more patients, particularly those who may not have connection to quality mental healthcare in face-to-face settings. 

Takeaway

Although depression can be complicated, an accurate diagnosis allows clients to manage symptoms. Using the main types of depression as a guide, a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that addresses your mental health history, current depression symptoms, and overall health goals. Consider reaching out to a therapist to get started.

Depression is treatable, and you're not alone
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