There are several forms of depressive disorders that occur in both women and men. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Minor depression is also common.

Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person’s life.  This is the most severe form of depressive disorder.  A greater number of symptoms are present and they are more acute than in other categories.

Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by depressive symptoms that are long-term (e.g., two years or longer) but less severe than those of major depression. Dysthymia may not disable a person, but it prevents one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.  This is a chronic, low-level depression that continues for years.  Individuals with dysthymia may experience major depression when a life crisis occurs.

Minor depression may also occur. Symptoms of minor depression are similar to major depression and dysthymia, but they are less severe and/or are usually shorter term.

Reactive Depression is mild-to-moderate depression that results from traumatic events, such as a divorce or job loss.

Some forms of depressive disorder have slightly different characteristics than      those described above, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all scientists agree on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include the following:

• Psychotic depression occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality; seeing, hearing, smelling or feeling things that others can’t detect (hallucinations); and having strong beliefs that are false, such as believing you are the president (delusions).
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy also can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.²

• Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes – from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression).

• April 28, 2010 -- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
  Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately.. Call your doctor. Call 911 for emergency services. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY...
• April 24, 2010 -- Help for depression, where to go for help
  If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are: Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Community mental health centers. Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics. Mental health programs at universities or medical schools. ...