Types of Depression: Symptoms, Differences and Treatment

The main types of depression include major depression, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, perinatal and perimenopausal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, depression with psychosis, and the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. They share symptoms such as low mood and loss of interest, but differ in timing, duration and triggers, which can shape treatment choices.

This guide is for adults who think they may be depressed, people who have been given a diagnosis and want to understand it, and family members trying to make sense of what a loved one is going through. It explains the common symptoms, how each type differs, how treatment usually works and how to get care in Texas.

This article is general information, not a medical recommendation. Do not start, stop or change any medication without talking to your prescriber.

What are the common symptoms of depression?

The common symptoms of depression are a sad, empty or irritable mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, trouble concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) says symptoms must last at least two weeks and reflect a change from previous functioning for a diagnosis of depression.

Symptoms do not look the same in everyone. MedlinePlus notes that men may seem angry or irritable rather than sad, and that some medicines and medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause symptoms like depression. That is one reason a full evaluation matters.

For a closer look at quieter symptoms, see 12 signs of depression people often ignore.

What are the main types of depression?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists several types of depression, each defined by its pattern rather than by how "bad" it feels. The list below summarizes the NIMH descriptions in plain language.

• Major depression: depressed mood or loss of interest most of the time for at least two weeks, interfering with daily activities.
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): less severe symptoms that last much longer, usually at least two years.
• Seasonal affective disorder: depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in late fall and early winter.
• Perinatal depression: depression during pregnancy or after childbirth.
• Perimenopausal depression: depression affecting some women during the transition to menopause.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome in the weeks before menstruation.
• Depression with symptoms of psychosis: a severe form that includes delusions or hallucinations.
• Bipolar disorder: depressive episodes along with manic or less severe hypomanic episodes.

Our guide to types of mood disorders covers related conditions in more detail.

How is major depression different from persistent depressive disorder?

Major depression is defined by an episode of more intense symptoms lasting at least two weeks, while persistent depressive disorder involves milder symptoms that last for years. Both are real conditions that respond to treatment.

People with persistent depressive disorder sometimes say they have "always been this way" and do not realize their mood is a treatable condition. The NIMH notes that its symptoms usually last at least two years. Some people experience both: a long, low baseline with periods of more severe depression on top.

Low mood that lingers for years can also be mistaken for personality. If this sounds familiar, our article on high-functioning depression may help.

How do seasonal, perinatal and hormone-related depression differ?

Seasonal, perinatal and hormone-related types of depression differ mainly in when they appear: with the seasons, around pregnancy and birth, around the menstrual cycle, or during the menopause transition. Their timing is an important clue for diagnosis.

The NIMH describes seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent seasonal pattern and notes it is more common farther from the equator, though it can occur in Texas too. The NIMH perinatal depression page explains that the "baby blues" usually fade within about two weeks, while perinatal depression is more severe and lasts longer.

For new parents, our guide to baby blues versus postpartum depression explains the difference and what to do next.

Why does bipolar disorder matter when diagnosing depression?

Bipolar disorder matters because its depressive episodes can look identical to major depression, yet treatment plans differ. The NIMH explains that bipolar disorder involves depressive episodes as well as manic or less severe hypomanic episodes, so a person may first seek help only during a low period.

Clinicians ask about past periods of unusually high energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts or risky behavior for this reason. Telling your clinician about these experiences, and any family history, helps them choose a safer and more effective plan. Read more in bipolar 2 versus depression.

How is depression treated?

Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both, and some people with severe or treatment-resistant symptoms are offered brain stimulation therapies. The NIMH names cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy among effective psychotherapies, and says psychodynamic therapy may help some people when used for a limited time.

Antidepressants are the main medication class used for depression. MedlinePlus notes that antidepressants may take several weeks to work and that you should not stop taking them on your own. The NIMH says finding the right treatment can involve some trial and error, and that all medications can have side effects.

When two or more treatments have not helped, clinicians may talk about treatment-resistant depression and other options. See what treatment-resistant depression means. Brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, are named by the NIMH as options for some people.

How do you get evaluated for depression? A step-by-step plan

You get evaluated for depression by tracking your symptoms, booking a visit with a primary care or mental health clinician, sharing your full history, and agreeing on a plan with follow-up. These steps can make a first visit more useful.

1. Write down symptoms for one to two weeks. Note mood, sleep, appetite, energy and any thoughts of death.
2. Note timing. Did it start after a birth, in a certain season, before periods, or during menopause?
3. List past highs. Mention any stretches of very high energy or little need for sleep.
4. Gather health information. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and medical conditions.
5. Ask about family history. Depression and bipolar disorder can run in families.
6. Agree on next steps. Leave with a plan and a follow-up date.

Health information matters because MedlinePlus notes that some medicines and medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause symptoms that look like depression.

What should you tell a clinician? A checklist

You should tell a clinician how long you have felt this way, how symptoms affect daily life, and anything that may point to a specific type of depression. The American Psychiatric Association describes depression as a change from previous functioning, so it helps to explain how you were before symptoms began. Clinicians rely on what you share, and preparing questions in advance helps. Writing notes on your phone before the visit makes it easier to remember details when you feel nervous.

• "I have felt [low, numb, irritable] most days for about [time]."
• "It is affecting [work, parenting, sleep, relationships]."
• "It seems worse in [season, after birth, before my period, since menopause began]."
• "There were times I felt unusually energetic and slept very little."
• "I have or have not had thoughts of death or suicide."
• "What type of depression do you think this is, and what are my treatment options?"

When should you get help sooner? Red flags

You should get help sooner if you have thoughts of suicide, hear or see things others do not, cannot care for yourself, or have depression after childbirth with confusion or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These need same-day attention.

• Thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm.
• Hallucinations, delusions or severe confusion.
• Not eating, drinking or getting out of bed for days.
• Sudden reckless behavior or very little sleep without feeling tired.
• Heavy or increasing alcohol or drug use.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and available 24/7 by call, text or chat.

What should Texans know about depression care?

Texans can start depression care with a primary care clinician, a therapist or a psychiatric clinician, and can use county crisis lines in addition to 988. Texas Health and Human Services (Texas HHS) lists 24/7 crisis lines by county (read October 2026).

Seasonal patterns are still possible in Texas even though seasonal affective disorder is more common farther north, so mention any yearly pattern to your clinician.

Getting support in Texas

Lyte Psychiatry offers therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management in Texas. In-person visits are available at Lyte Psychiatry's clinic in Pantego, in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Lyte Psychiatry offers telehealth visits to patients who are physically located in Texas at the time of the visit.

All Lyte Psychiatry services are available in Spanish. Most new patients are seen within 1–2 business days. Weekend appointments are limited. Availability, insurance and clinician fit require confirmation.

Lyte Psychiatry is an outpatient practice. It does not provide inpatient care, crisis or after-hours coverage, medically supervised detox, or intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs.

Learn more about depression care at Lyte Psychiatry or contact the practice.

If you are in a mental-health crisis in the United States, call or text 988. Call 911 for immediate danger.

Educational information, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan.