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There are many different types of depression that each has their own diagnosis as well as treatment. In all cases a medical doctor will have to make a professional diagnosis before prescribing medication or other treatment.

"Major" depression is among the more severe types. Since more symptoms appear, it is generally fairly easy to diagnose. Often some traumatic occurrence in someone's life will trigger a major depressive episode. It can also be due to a number of situations that occur over time and negatively affect him or her. A lot of people go through a major depression once in a lifetime and it never repeats.

Dysthymic disorder is another depression type altogether. Those who suffer from it show different, less visible symptoms. They generally feel depressed everyday for a long time. The symptoms are low energy, low self-esteem, change in appetite, and recurring sadness. These patients usually respond well to medication, combined with counseling. Any person suffering from dysthymic depression should always stay on top of the symptoms. It often comes back at unexpected times.

Some depressions are hard to categorize. Medical doctors only should diagnose and suggest treatment for any depression. "Reactive depression", or adjustment disorder, can be difficult to diagnose. The patient is usually having problems adjusting to life changes and is having severe side effects due to some type of stress. Doctors are often hesitant to prescribe medication for this depression, preferring to recommend counseling or other talk therapy.

The important thing to keep in mind with any type of depression is that the person should seek the advise of a doctor who will be qualified to determine what type of depression they are suffering from and what the best course of medical treatment should be. Many times a person will be experiencing minor symptoms of depression that they think are just a minor disturbance, letting the depression carry on for years before they reach a crisis point. There are many different types of medication that a medical doctor can prescribe for even the most minor types of depression. People who are feeling any type of depression, no matter how minor, should understand that there is help for them out there and they are not alone.