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Correctly diagnosing and treating a particular condition means understanding its definition. The definitions of different psychological disorders are in a state of constant change.

Currently there are 3 types of generally recognized types of clinical depression:

1. Major Depression
2. Dysthemia
3. Bipolar Disorder

In its broadest definition, depression is the result of overwhelming thoughts such as anxiety, fear, pessimism, or helplessness being turned inward on oneself. The specific causes of a depressive disorder or event may not be clearly pinpointed, but in all cases of clinical depression, there is an underlying problem with the brain's chemistry.

Major depression causes a significant interruption in a person's life. Normal sleep patterns, eating habits and sources of enjoyment are lost almost completely, leaving the sufferer almost completely disabled. Episodes of major depression may be fleeting and rare, or they may be a continual drain on a person's quality of life.

Dysthemia is the term for the less-severe but more chronic form of depression. Those suffering from dysthemia generally report a feeling of "flatness" or "dullness." Their persistent symptoms do not render them incapacitated, however, they do interfere on an ongoing basis. Dysthemics are more prone to episodes of major depression.

Bipolar disorder is a depressive disorder in which the sufferer cycles between extremely elevated moods and major depressive episodes, sometimes within a very brief period of time. The severe highs juxtaposed with severe lows are the two poles of a persons mood, and the basis for the definition of this disorder.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
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