Concept, Types, Causes and Symptoms

We explain that it is depression, the types that exist and their main causes, and their symptoms and that it is chronic depression.

Depression is a set of emotional and psychic conditions.

What is depression?

Depression is a temporary or permanent psychic illness, characterized by deep feelings of despondency, unhappiness and guilt , as well as an inability to enjoy and, often, episodes of anxiety.It can occur in response to an external stimulus and be temporary, but leave a deep mark on the individual; or it can become a disorder and become chronic, in which case it requires psychiatric treatment.

Actually, depression is a set of emotional and psychic conditions, which can have diverse biological causes (hormonal, Neurochemical, genetic, social (experiential, loving) and/or psychological (emotional, traumatic). Any age is susceptible to it , although it is usually more frequent in women than in men and usually manifests in young adults.

The main types of depression are as follows:

• Major depressive disorder.It appears for the only time, without being associated with traumatic events or consumption of psychotropic substances, and has a particular impact on the patient's life.It is usually an intense emotional event.


• Dysthymic disorder.Also known as dysthymia, it is believed to be of genetic-hereditary origin and consists of more spaced, mild but prolonged episodes of depression.


• Cyclothymic disorder.Also called cyclothymia, it is considered a mild form of bipolar disorder, since it consists of moderate episodes of depression that alternate with periods of hypomania (high mood and energy).


• Seasonal affective disorder.It is a type of moderate depression that is usually associated with certain periods of the year, such as certain weather stations.


• Bipolar depression.Part of the bipolar disorder or bipolarity, it is a mental illness that causes the patient to oscillate between intense periods of mania (euphoria, hypersexuality, irritability) and others of depression (sadness, apathy, disinterest) with little or no transition time between one and another.

Treatment of this disease may vary depending on the case , but often involves treatment with antidepressants and/or anxiolytics, as well as spoken therapy or psychotherapy.In some cases this can mean a prolonged and constant work.

See also: Alcoholism.

Causes of depression

Sleep disorders can lead to times of depression.

Depression has a multifactorial origin.Some factors associated with its appearance are:

• Particularly traumatic events.The loss of a loved one or other personal catastrophes can induce a depressive state from which it is difficult to leave.


• Genetic tendency: It has been proven that a certain tendency towards depression can be hereditary, as are many psychiatric pathologies with which it is associated.


• Poor diet.An unhealthy eating pattern, rich in carbohydrates and sugars but low in essential amino acids and proteins, can lead to depression and abnormal neuronal responses.


• Sedentary life: It is proven that exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, hormones that lift the spirit, so that a life that is too sedentary can make us more prone to depression.


• Chronic intake of substances.Alcohol, tobacco or psychotropic drugs can affect the functioning of the brain in the long or medium term and induce symptoms of depression.


• Hormonal and metabolic disorders.Diseases of the sugar regulation system or the secretion of the body's regulatory substances may be associated with the onset of depression.


• Sleep disorders: Prolonged lack of sleep directly affects brain function and can lead to times of depression or distress.


• Lack of vitamin D.There are studies that relate the absence of this vitamin in the body with the appearance of depressive symptoms.

Symptoms of depression

The usual symptoms of depression include the following:

• Apathy, lack of energy and desire to live.


• Alterations in the sleep routine.


• Panic attacks or general feeling of anguish.


• Absence of sexual desire and/or appetite.


• Generalized feeling of sadness and vital nonsense.


• Chronic tiredness.


• Irritability.


• Digestive problems.


• Decrease of the immune system.

Endogenous depression

Endogenous depression is called the depressive pictures whose root is in internal affairs of the body , whether they are hormonal, neuronal, etc.They are thus distinguished from exogenous depressions , that is, those caused by factors or events outside the body, such as traumatic events, consumption of harmful substances or other factors outside the body's biology.

Chronic depression

Chronic depression occurs when the symptoms are constant in the patient's life.

It is known as a chronic depression that does not give in its symptoms in a medium or long term in the patient's life , thus becoming a more or less constant and prolonged state in your life, or recurring, giving in at times and returning after a while.

Postpartum depression

Known as DPP or Postnatal Depression, postpartum depression is a very unique and exclusive syndrome of women who have given birth. It can occur from the moment of birth to a year later , but it is more frequent in the next three months after delivery.

It is distinguished from the so-called