Alternate Types of Depression: Get the Right Diagnosis

There are alternate types of depression that many people don’t know about. Discover other potential depression diagnoses in this enlightening series.

What You'll Learn

The specific causes and risk factors of each alternate type of depression
What it means when one of these diagnoses comes with “anxious distress”
What constitutes the phenomenon known as “double depression”
A comprehensive breakdown of each type of depression, including persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), atypical depression, melancholic depression, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), and depressive disorder with psychotic features
The other potential misdiagnoses of alternate types of depression you should be aware of, including DMDD vs. bipolar disorder, depressive psychosis vs. other psychotic disorders, and more
A thorough, unprecedented inside look at Dr. Judy’s diagnostic and treatment process
The specific symptoms of each alternate type of depression—and how to spot them

Series Overview

min

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Symptoms & Treatments

Dr. Judy kicks off the session with a breakdown of the major differences between major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder. She describes the nuanced differences between the symptoms of each disorder, why persistent depressive disorder is often ignored by mental health clinicians, and how prevalent it is compared to MDD. Dr. Judy also walks through the phenomenon known as “double depression” and how treatment works for both persistent depressive disorder and double depression. Finally, she breaks down the role of anxiety in persistent depressive disorder, and how to avoid confusing persistent depressive disorder with the phenomenon of “social comparison” that is all-too-common in the age of social media.

min

Atypical Depression & Melancholic Depression: Symptoms & Treatments

What is atypical depression, and how does it compare to major depressive disorder (MDD)? What about melancholic depression? Dr. Judy answers these questions in this session. She also walks through symptoms unique to these alternate types of depression, such as heightened sensitivity, unique sleep issues, despondency, and physiological symptoms. Dr. Judy also explains whether someone with the depression diagnosis can “move in and out” of other types of depression, how this impacts treatment, and what to do if you think you or your loved one has been misdiagnosed with the wrong type of depression. Finally, she breaks down how recovery time varies from that of typical depression.

min

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Symptoms & Treatments

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is the newest type of depression diagnosis, so this session is invaluable in avoiding a misdiagnosis. Dr. Judy highlights the 2 major differentiators from regular depression that patients, supporters, and healthcare workers should know. She walks through the developmental reasons a child might develop DMDD. She sheds light on the differences between “regular” mood swings, full-blown DMDD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and bipolar disorder. Dr. Judy also answers whether this diagnosis can continue into adulthood. Additionally, she pinpoints the treatment options (including therapy and medications), and why they work compared to traditional types of depression. Finally, she provides crucial advice for how to talk to a child or adolescent with DMDD—without escalating or triggering them.

min

Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features: Symptoms & Treatments

Depressive disorder with psychotic features is often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. The right diagnosis is crucial to the right treatment, so learning how to differentiate between schizophrenia and this type of depression is critical. In this session, Dr. Judy walks through the signs, symptoms, & misconceptions of depressive disorder with psychotic features. She also breaks down the treatment options available (including medications.) Additionally, she shares who is most at risk for developing this type of depression, and whether caregivers are in any level of danger when it comes to supporting their loved one with this condition.

[Subtypes] of depression have different risk factors, different stress factors that produce these symptoms, [and] different treatment as a result...explore with your provider [because] maybe there’s a subtype that explains why you haven’t been as responsive to treatments that used to work for you.

Dr. Judy Ho

Triple Board Certified Clinical & Forensic Neuropsychologist, Ph.D.

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About The Series

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the diagnosis that people think of when they hear the term “depression.” While MDD affects seven percent of the population at any given moment, there are a variety of different types of depression that have different risk factors, different treatment trajectories, and slightly different symptoms—even though these symptoms often get lumped under major depressive disorder.

Triple board-certified neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho is an expert in these alternate types of depression. The “bread and butter” of her practice consists of neurological assessments and the diagnostic process, so she understands the need for the correct diagnosis; it leads to the most effective treatment.

In this enlightening series, Dr. Judy sheds light on the telltale signs of the alternate types of depression, including:

The right diagnosis is essential to the right, most effective treatment. This is achievable with the right education – which is what this series provides.

Who is this series for?

This series is a great resource for those who struggle with depression and wish to learn about the different types.

If you have a friend, family member, or loved one who is struggling with depression, this series will help you better understand their journey and how to properly support them.

Start watching this series now

You can get free access to all segments of this video series when you become a MedCircle Member.