known as major depression which is the most serious of all types of depression when speaking of the amount of symptoms and severity of symptoms. Some believe that one must feel suicidal or have a history of hospitalizations in order to be considered to have major depression, however this is not true. Bipolar depression usually occurs during ones early twenties, and is a disorder which involves mood switches which are dramatic and rapid, nevertheless most often they are gradual. It also deals with cycles of elation or mania which often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior. Bipolar disorder almost always involves abnormal moods at both ends of the emotional spectrum. Those with bipolar depression can have extreme mood swings ranging from extreme euphoria to incapacitating depression called manic episodes. Manic episodes usually begin suddenly, and symptoms rise rapidly. During an episode of euphoria the persons self-confidence is inflated, throughout this the persons ability to function is verily impaired, they can run up bills or even disappear for weeks at a time. About 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder annually. For both men and women the chances of getting bipolar disorder are equal. Another form of depression is dysthymic disorder which refers to a moderate to low level of depression that continues for at least two years or longer. Although the symptoms are not as severe as major depression, they are longer lasting and therefore more difficult to treat. In order for one to be diagnosed with dysthmic disorder they must have at least two of the following symptoms: (1) poor appetite or overeating, (2) insomnia or hypersomnia, (3) low energy or fatigue, (4) low self-esteem, (5) poor concentration or difficulty in making decisions, and (6) feelings of hopelessness along with two of these indications they must also have a sad mood. In previous diagnostic methods, dysthymia was sometimes called neu...
