Types of Depression
Depressive illnesses come in different forms just as do other illnesses, such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three of the most prevalent types of depressive illnesses. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence. Check with your doctor if you need more information about your type of depressive illness.
Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
NIMH Publication