Types of Depression: A Guide to Understanding Your Diagnosis

Depression isn't one-size-fits-all. It comes in many forms, each with different symptoms, triggers, and treatment approaches. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we believe that understanding which type of depression you're dealing with is the first step toward the right treatment plan.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Also called clinical depression, MDD is the most commonly diagnosed form. It involves persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes thoughts of death or suicide. To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

MDD responds well to medication (SSRIs, SNRIs) and therapy. For patients who haven't found relief with standard treatments, Next Step Psychiatry offers Spravato (esketamine) — an FDA-approved option for treatment-resistant depression.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Dysthymia is a chronic, lower-grade depression lasting two years or more. You might not feel "depressed" in the dramatic sense — instead, you feel like you're just going through the motions, never quite feeling good. Many people with dysthymia assume this is just their personality, not realizing it's a treatable condition.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD follows a seasonal pattern, typically worsening in fall and winter when daylight hours decrease. While Georgia winters are milder than northern states, shorter days and overcast skies in the Atlanta area can still trigger SAD in susceptible individuals. Light therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments can all help.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression goes beyond the "baby blues." It involves severe mood swings, exhaustion, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty bonding with your baby. It can develop weeks or even months after delivery. New mothers across Gwinnett County should know that postpartum depression is common, not a sign of weakness, and very treatable.

Bipolar Depression

The depressive episodes in bipolar disorder look similar to MDD but alternate with manic or hypomanic episodes. Accurate diagnosis is critical because standard antidepressants alone can trigger manic episodes in bipolar patients. A thorough psychiatric evaluation — like those we conduct at Next Step Psychiatry — is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Psychotic Depression

This severe form of depression includes psychotic features such as hallucinations or delusions alongside depressive symptoms. It requires specialized treatment, typically combining antidepressants with antipsychotic medication.

Atypical Depression

Despite its name, atypical depression is quite common. Its hallmark is mood reactivity — your mood temporarily improves in response to positive events, unlike classic depression. Other features include increased appetite, excessive sleep, heavy feelings in the limbs, and sensitivity to rejection. MAOIs and SSRIs are often effective treatments.

Get the Right Diagnosis and Treatment

Every type of depression deserves a tailored treatment approach. At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C conduct thorough evaluations to pinpoint your specific condition and create a personalized plan — including medication management and Spravato for treatment-resistant cases. Call 678-437-1659 or visit us at 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy STE 100, Lilburn, GA 30047.