Last Updated on September 5, 2025
Why this matters for addiction and mental health
Depression and substance use often travel together. When they co‑occur, each can worsen the other and complicate care—so accurate identification of the different depressions (the 6 most common clinical presentations below) helps you choose the right path, whether you’re in recovery or supporting someone who is. Integrated treatment improves outcomes.
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What “depression” means in the DSM
In the DSM‑5‑TR (the “depression DSM”), depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD, in youth), substance/medication‑induced depressive disorder, and depressive disorder due to another medical condition. Bipolar disorders are classified separately but include bipolar depression episodes. Patient‑facing guidance from APA groups six related, commonly discussed conditions together (including seasonal and perinatal forms), which aligns with how most top health sites explain the “6 types of depression.”
The 6 Types of Depression (and how they differ)
These six reflect how leading patient resources organize depression for readers: MDD, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Perinatal/Postpartum Depression, and PMDD.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — the prototypical “deep depression”
People with MDD experience a persistently low or empty mood and lose interest or pleasure (anhedonia) most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks—often with sleep, appetite, energy, focus, and self‑worth changes. Some describe it as deep depression because it can feel all‑consuming. Evidence‑based treatments include psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both; for severe or resistant cases, ECT or TMS may be recommended.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD, a.k.a. dysthymia)
PDD is a chronic, lower‑grade depression lasting 2+ years (1+ year in youth). Symptoms can be milder than MDD but longer‑lasting—many people say it feels like their “default” mood. Cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral activation, interpersonal therapy, and antidepressants are commonly used.
Bipolar Depression
Although bipolar disorder is a separate DSM category, many people search for “types of depression” to understand its depressive episodes. These lows can be profound and may alternate with manic or hypomanic episodes (periods of elevated/irritable mood, less sleep, and risky behavior). Mood stabilizers and certain atypical antipsychotics are core; antidepressant monotherapy is generally not first‑line.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern—most often starting in fall/winter and lifting in spring. First‑line options include bright light therapy, psychotherapy, and, when indicated, medication.
Perinatal/Postpartum Depression
Depression during pregnancy or within a year after delivery can affect up to 1 in 7 birthing people. It is distinct from transient “baby blues” and deserves prompt care; psychotherapy and medications compatible with pregnancy/lactation are effective.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe, cyclical mood disorder in the luteal phase (the week or so before menses), with marked irritability, sadness, mood swings, and impairment that improve shortly after bleeding starts. SSRIs, certain oral contraceptives, and lifestyle strategies have evidence.
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DSM‑5 depression symptoms (MDD) at a glance
Clinicians diagnose a major depressive episode when 5+ symptoms occur nearly every day for ≥2 weeks, including depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure, plus changes in sleep, appetite/weight, movement/energy, concentration, self‑worth or excessive guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death. These must cause distress/impairment and not be better explained by substances, medical conditions, or psychotic disorders. (major depression symptoms dsm 5, mdd symptoms dsm 5, dsm 5 depression symptoms)
Depression physical symptoms you might notice
Beyond sadness depression, people often report headaches, stomachaches, generalized aches, sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, and fatigue. These depression physical symptoms are part of why depression can upend daily life—and why it’s not “just in your head.”
Depression triggers (what can set off or worsen symptoms)
Common depression triggers include chronic stress, trauma, grief or major life changes, chronic medical illness or pain, certain medications or substances (including alcohol and other drugs), and sleep disruption. Genetics and brain chemistry are also involved. Addressing triggers is part of prevention and relapse planning.
How do you get diagnosed with depression?
If you’ve wondered how can I know if I am depressed / how do you know if you are depressed / how to know you have depression / how can you tell if you have depression / how do you know you suffering from depression?—start with a clinician (primary care or mental health). They’ll take a full history, rule out medical causes, and may use brief screeners like the PHQ‑9; diagnosis relies on DSM criteria and clinical judgment. (how do you get diagnosed with depression)
What is the best treatment for depression and anxiety?
There isn’t a one‑size “best treatment for depression”—but guidelines agree:
Mild to moderate episodes: Offer evidence‑based psychotherapy (CBT, behavioral activation, IPT); add medications if needed or by preference.
Moderate to severe episodes or when anxiety is prominent: Combination therapy (SSRI/SNRI + psychotherapy) is often most effective.
Treatment‑resistant or severe cases: Consider ECT or TMS; esketamine/ketamine is an option for select adults who haven’t responded to standard care.
Always build a safety plan and address sleep, exercise, and substance use. (what is the best treatment for depression and anxiety)
Treat depression without medication
For some, it’s reasonable to treat depression without medication using psychotherapy, structured behavioral activation, exercise, sleep regularity, problem‑solving therapy, and light therapy (for SAD). Discuss options and monitoring intervals with your clinician; switch or add modalities if you’re not improving.
Ways to cope with depression (day‑to‑day)
Keep a regular sleep‑wake schedule and morning light exposure.
Use behavioral activation: schedule simple, mastery‑ or pleasure‑building tasks.
Practice skills from therapy (e.g., CBT thought records, grounding).
Move your body most days.
Limit alcohol and non‑prescribed drugs; if substance use is part of the picture, seek integrated care. (ways to cope with depression)
Depression and addiction: why they co‑occur—and what to do
Depression can increase substance use (for relief), and substance use can worsen or trigger depression. If you live with both, ask about integrated treatment (coordinated mental health and substance use care), which improves outcomes and is recommended by SAMHSA and NIDA.
Interesting facts about depression
SAD is officially “MDD with seasonal pattern.” Light therapy is a first‑line option.
Perinatal depression affects about 1 in 7 people after childbirth; it’s treatable and distinct from “baby blues.”
PMDD affects roughly 1.8–5.8% of menstruating women yearly.
New research proposes six brain‑circuit “biotypes” of depression and anxiety, which may one day personalize treatment—an exciting development, but not yet used in routine diagnosis.
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FAQ: Quick answers to popular depression questions
How does depression feel?
It varies—empty, numb, exhausted, overwhelmed, or deeply sad. Many also feel slowed down or, at times, agitated; concentration is hard, and enjoyment fades. (how does depression feel, sadness depression)
Are depressed people deeply sad without thinking about it?
Often yes. Mood can sit “in the background” without conscious sad thoughts. Others feel mostly anhedonia (no pleasure) or irritability rather than obvious sadness—especially kids and teens. (are depressed people deeply sad without thinking about it)
How can I know if I am depressed? How do u know if you have depression?
If low mood or loss of interest lasts most days for 2+ weeks with other DSM symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, guilt/worthlessness, thoughts of death), talk to a clinician and consider a PHQ‑9 screen. (how can you tell if you have depression / how to know you have depression / how do you know you are depressed)
How do I get rid of depression / how to rid depression?
Aim for remission—it’s achievable. Use guideline‑based care: psychotherapy, medication when indicated, and lifestyle supports. Adjust the plan if there’s no steady improvement within weeks. (how do i get rid of depression / how to rid depression)
What is the best treatment for depression and anxiety?
Often a combo of CBT (or another evidence‑based therapy) plus an SSRI/SNRI works best; tailor to your history, preferences, side‑effect profile, and severity.
Why do I feel depressed when another person is depressed?
Emotional states are contagious—especially with loved ones. This “co‑rumination” can intensify your own symptoms. Keep empathy and boundaries: support them, but protect your sleep, movement, and therapy time. (If symptoms persist, get your own evaluation.) General guidance; not a diagnosis.
Will depression go away?
Yes—most people improve with correct treatment. Some have a single episode; others have recurrent or chronic courses and need maintenance strategies. Early, consistent care helps prevent relapse. (will depression go away)
My depression is getting worse—what should I do now?
Tell your clinician promptly. Worsening can signal a need to change dose/medication, add psychotherapy, screen for bipolar disorder, or consider TMS/ECT for severe cases. Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts: Call/Text 988 (U.S.).
When to seek urgent help
If you or someone you know is thinking about self‑harm, call or text 988 in the U.S., or go to the nearest emergency department. (If outside the U.S., contact local crisis services.)
