When a first depressive episode is followed by a second episode of depression the definition of major depressive disorder is used. However, there are other classifications:

 

·       dysthymia is a form of depression where the symptoms are less severe than major depression;

·       adjustment disorder is a form of depression that disappears after the removal of the cause that has generated it;

·       secondary depression is a side effect of drugs and/or of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain cancer, Cushing’s disease and lupus erythematosus;

·       reactive depression is triggered by a separation or a failure of some kind;

·       masked depression is manifested by cognitive, somatic or behavioral symptoms rather than in the form of mood symptoms;

·       dysphoria is a form of depression characterized by agitation and irritability;

·       bipolar disorder alternates depression with manic or hypomanic phases.

 

The Vital Needs Theory - page 25

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