6 types of depression you need to know about

Depression is an umbrella term for serious mood disorders that affect millions across the US. In fact, in 2015, about 16 million adults over 18 had at least one major depressive episode in the last year.

While some symptoms and treatment options can overlap, the types of symptoms and length of symptoms vary from person to person—and so do the actual diagnoses.

To better understand each type of depression, the symptoms, treatment options and ways to get help, psychiatrist Ernesto Figueroa, MD, of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor Michigan, defines them.

Medically reviewed in January 2020.