There are three major subtypes of depression - the first being major depressive disorder. There are two subtypes within major depressive disorder: one would be a biochemical depression, the other would be what is more frequently referred to as a reactive depression. The next one [subtype] is dysthymia, and that’s a lower level of depression than major depressive disorder. When I say lower, it’s less depressed and dysthymia tends to be a chronic disorder. Sometimes not accurately diagnosed or misdiagnosed. The third type of depression which is enjoying a diagnostic vogue these days is bipolar disorder, which has in the past been referred to as manic depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder involves a pronounced swing in affect and mood, from euphoric and elated to severely depressed. Those two affective states usually cycle. They can be rapid cycling in a few hours, in a few days, or for months.

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