The Various Ominous Forms Of Depression

Psychotic Depression

Individuals with psychotic depression typically have the same symptoms of major depression, such as a lack of interest in activities, constant fatigue, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. However, patients with this type of depression also display symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or seeing and hearing things that are not present, delusions or false beliefs, and paranoia or wrongly believing others are trying to harm them. Similar to other forms of depression, a combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications can be used to treat psychotic depression. Electroconvulsive therapy may also be an option.

Keep reading to learn more about peripartum and premenstrual depression, which only affect women.

Peripartum Depression And Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Women who experience symptoms of major depression in the weeks or months following the birth of their child is peripartum, or postpartum depression. According to research, one out of every seven new moms can experience postpartum depression, and is unique to every new mom as their severity and symptoms may differ. Antidepressants can help as well, similar to those who suffer from major depression.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a form of depression a woman can experience at the beginning of her menstrual cycle that will often leave her feeling depressed. Other symptoms of this kind of depression are mood swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and focusing, fatigue, change in appetite or sleep patterns, and feeling overwhelmed. Again, antidepressants and in some cases, oral contraceptives, can help treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Find out what situational and atypical depression is and why both of these types are incredibly common next.