for seniors
Types of Clinical Depression
Two serious types of clinical depression are major depression and bipolar disorder.
Major Depression: Major depression makes it almost impossible to carry on usual
activities, sleep, eat, or enjoy life. Pleasure seems a thing of the past. This type of
depression can occur once in a lifetime or, for many people, it can recur several times.
People with a major depression need professional treatment.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness): Another type of depression, bipolar
disorder--or manic-depressive illness--leads to severe mood swings, from extreme
"lows" to excessive "highs." These states of extreme elation and
unbounded energy are called mania. This disorder usually starts when people are in their
early twenties. Though unusual for this type of depression to start for the first time in
later life, it requires medical treatment, whatever the person's age.
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