The three most common types of depression are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disease:

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see Symptoms below) that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These symptoms occur without any apparent cause and deepen and persist day-in and day-out for two weeks or longer.

Dysthymia is marked by mild to moderate depressive symptoms that last at least two years. People with this condition have fewer symptoms than those with major depression, but the symptoms last longer and develop more slowly. On average, symptoms can last 16 years before there is a diagnosis. Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness, involves cycles of depression and elation (mania). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, a person can have any or all of the symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, any or all manic symptoms (see Symptoms below) may be experienced.

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