What are Depressive Disorders? 

What are depressive disorders? More than just a momentary bout of sadness, depressive disorders such as postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder can significantly impact one’s life. Treatment is available to overcome these conditions allowing you to find enjoyment of life once again.  

 

What are depressive disorders? How do you know if what you are experiencing is just a temporary sadness and not something more?  

 

Major depressive disorder and others all come with similar symptoms — feelings of sadness, worthlessness, inability to concentrate, lack of interest in life, and more. These feelings can be heavy and hard to handle. Seeking professional treatment is the best way to fully understand what you are going through and how to overcome it.  

 

In the meantime, we will go into detail about depressive disorders below, including the types, their signs, and the available treatment. You will no longer find yourself looking for answers to the question,  what are depressive disorders?  

 

What are Depressive Disorders?  

When asked what are depressive disorders, the most common response usually has to do with sadness and mood. And while it isn’t too far off, depressive disorders are often a bit more in-depth than that.  

 

Feelings of sadness, emptiness, frustration, and even anger can all be associated with these mental health conditions, as well as the individuals’ difficulty in functioning or getting through daily tasks and responsibilities. These things are often common in all depressive disorders, but there are a few differences, such as the etiology of the condition, its timing, and its duration.  

 

So, how many depressive disorders are there? Quite a few. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the most common.  

 

Postpartum Depression (PPD) 

There is a good chance that you have heard of postpartum depression at some point, but most people do not understand the significance of it or how it truly impacts the new mom.  

 

The onset of PPD may appear during pregnancy but is more common after giving birth. A few symptoms to look out for include:  

 

• Overwhelming feelings of sadness and worthlessness 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Changes in appetite 
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed 
• Thoughts of death or suicide 

 

Quite often, these symptoms will fade on their own once the baby is about six weeks old. However, if they do not go away or become too much to handle, seeking the help of a mental health professional is highly recommended.  

 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 

Another official depressive disorder is premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMDD has many characteristics of depressive disorders, but its relation to menstruation sets it apart. It occurs when the symptoms present themselves about a week before menstruation and then begin to clear up within a few days after the monthly cycle begins. During the week following, symptoms should be minimal or non-existent.  

 

This happens month after month.  

 

To be diagnosed with the condition, the symptoms of PMDD must significantly interfere with one’s ability to function in daily life. PMDD leads to feelings of depression, irritability, increased anxiety, and difficulty regulating moods and emotions. What’s more, any of the following symptoms can be present, too:  

 

• Difficulty focusing  
• Lack of interest in routine activities 
• Fatigue
• Appetite changes, such as cravings, overeating, or not eating enough 
• Sleeping too much or having difficulty falling or staying asleep 
• Feeling overwhelmed  
• Physical pain, such as general PMS symptoms like breast tenderness/swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating, weight gain 

 

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 

Major depressive disorder – sometimes referred to as depression or clinical depression – is perhaps the most commonly diagnosed depressive disorder on the list. It impacts millions of people every day.  

 

There is a very significant difference between this condition and simply being sad. To be diagnosed, you will have to experience the following for at least two weeks:  

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness most of the day, nearly every day 
• Decreased pleasure or interest in most routine activities 

 

Other symptoms of MDD include:  

• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness for no reason 
• Fatigue and lack of energy 
• Restlessness or slowed movements 
• Appetite and weight changes, eating more or less than usual 
• Sleeping more or less than you normally would 
• Difficulty with focus and concentration 
• Inability to make decisions 
• Thoughts of suicide or death, with or without a plan for suicide 

 

Those who have MDD will experience these symptoms every day. The length of time they will last may vary — but effective treatment is available. 

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

Seasonal affective disorder involves depression symptoms that come and go with the seasons. For most people, this condition appears in the fall or winter months when the sun sets earlier — leaving you with fewer hours of sunlight.  

 

This, too, comes with many of the same symptoms above, such as feelings of hopelessness, changes in sleep patterns, lack of interest in things once enjoyed, changes in appetite and weight, and the like.  

 

Although this condition is seasonal, it can still disrupt everyday life. It is best to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis.  

 

Treatment for Depressive Disorders 

The good news is that treatment is available for depressive disorders at premier depression treatment centers. Many people who have been diagnosed with one of the above have been able to overcome them with the right treatment.  

 

Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two may be used to treat depressive disorders. Because the condition and the symptoms they present will vary from person to person, the treatment is unique to each individual as well.  

 

At Amend Treatment, we assess your needs and create a personalized treatment plan that will help you yield the best results.  

 

Depression Treatment at Amend Treatment

Are you interested in mental health treatment centers that will equip you with everything you need to find healing? Amend Treatment is where you will find tranquil surroundings and a long list of amenities that will allow you to focus on gaining strength — and feeling empowered.  

Reignite your joy for life at Amend Treatment. Learn what are depressive disorders and what healing from them looks like when you contact us today.