Unipolar depression is the most well-known form of the condition. It manifests as persistent sadness, a lack of energy, and a loss of interest in activities. Those affected feel down for weeks or months at a time, without experiencing any phases of elevated mood.

• Symptoms: Persistent low mood, lack of drive or energy, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt or failure.
• Treatment: Psychotherapy—particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—and medication support if necessary.

Reactive depression, also known as situational or exogenous depression, occurs in response to stressful life events. This type of depression is triggered by sudden changes, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or difficulties at work.

• Symptoms: Sadness, exhaustion, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
• Treatment: Psychotherapy—particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—and short-term medication support if necessary.

Endogenous depression is caused by biological factors, such as a genetic predisposition or biochemical imbalances in the brain. It occurs independently of external circumstances and often begins without any recognizable trigger.

• Symptoms: Deep sadness, a lack of drive or energy, feelings of guilt, and a loss of interest in daily activities.
• Treatment: Long-term medication therapy with antidepressants alongside psychotherapeutic support.

Neurotic depression, also known as dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder, is a less intense but long-lasting form of depression. It is frequently characterized by a constant sense of inner emptiness.

• Symptoms: Persistent depressive mood, low self-esteem, anxiety, and irritability.
• Treatment: A combination of psychotherapy and medication support if necessary.

Postpartum depression occurs after the birth of a child and can affect both women and men. This type of depression can be triggered by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the adjustment to a completely new life situation.

• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, exhaustion, anxiety, and feelings of guilt.
• Treatment: Psychotherapy, support groups, and, in severe cases, medication.

This severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women during the second half of their menstrual cycle, leading to intense emotional and physical symptoms. These typically disappear once menstruation begins. Triggered by hormonal fluctuations, this form of depression is a key contributing factor to depression in women.

• Symptoms: Intense sadness, irritability, lack of energy, changes in appetite, bloating, weight gain, and physical pain.
• Treatment: Lifestyle changes and stress reduction, medical/hormonal treatment, and psychotherapy.

Late-life depression affects older adults and can be triggered by physical illnesses, the loss of loved ones, or loneliness. This type of depression is frequently overlooked because its symptoms are often misunderstood as normal signs of aging. Raising awareness about the mental health challenges and burdens faced by older people is incredibly important in order to prevent further stigmatization and discrimination.

• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and memory problems.
• Treatment: Psychotherapy, medication, and social support.

Winter depression typically occurs during the winter months when days are shorter and sunlight is limited. This type of depression is caused by a lack of natural light. In our latitudes, we absorb too little Vitamin D—the "sunshine vitamin," which is proven to boost mood—during these dark months.

• Symptoms: Depressive mood, increased need for sleep, weight gain, and a loss of energy.
• Treatment: Light therapy, psychotherapy, and in some cases, antidepressants.

Manic-depressive disorder, also known as bipolar disorder, is characterized by extreme shifts in mood that alternate between depressive episodes and manic episodes.

• Depressive Episodes: Symptoms similar to those of unipolar depression.
• Manic Episodes: Excessive euphoria, increased energy, a reduced need for sleep, and risky behavior.
• Treatment: A combination of medication (mood stabilizers, antidepressants) and psychotherapy.

Masked depression, also known as somatized depression, primarily manifests through physical symptoms, often without the person actively perceiving a depressed mood.

• Symptoms: Physical complaints such as pain, digestive issues, and exhaustion with no identifiable organic cause.
• Treatment: Psychotherapy to uncover and treat the underlying depression, along with medical management of the psychological symptoms.

A specific form of depression that frequently occurs in women is agitated depression. This type of depression is characterized by an outwardly visible functionality despite intense inner distress. Individuals with agitated depression appear to continue successfully managing their daily tasks while suffering deeply on the inside. Those affected can still do their work and fulfill social obligations, yet they battle profound feelings of sadness and inner emptiness. This form of depression is particularly insidious because it often goes unrecognized, as the symptoms are not as obvious as those of other types of depression. Masking the symptoms can lead to individuals hiding their pain, which often prevents them from receiving the support they need.

Digital programs like deprexis can provide valuable complementary support. This early-stage, personalized assistance can be accessed 24/7 to target and help relieve depressive symptoms. To guide you step-by-step toward better self-care, deprexis offers a tailored program featuring various exercises to cope with depression.

In Germany, deprexis is available completely free of charge via prescription, with the full costs covered by your health insurance company. This means your doctor or psychotherapist can prescribe deprexis, and you will receive an activation code for the program. Once you have the code, you can easily redeem it on the website and get started with deprexis immediately.