March 10th, 2026
If you’re living in Chicago and wondering what type of depression you may be experiencing and where to get treatment, keep reading.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and Chicago is no exception. From long winters with limited sunlight, work stress, academic pressure, and the fast pace of city life, many factors can impact mental health. Yet despite how common depression is, there are still many misunderstandings and myths surrounding it.
One common misunderstanding is that there is only one type of depression and it always looks the same. The reality is that depression can take many different forms. In fact, there are different types of depressive disorders, each of which is characterized by distinct criteria.
Although a diagnosis can only be made by a licensed mental health professional, learning about the different types of depression can help you recognize symptoms that may be linked to a depressive disorder. Being informed allows you to notice potential warning signs and better understand what you may be experiencing.
No matter the cause, the most important first step is talking to a professional about how you’re feeling. Below, we’ll outline the different types of depression and how they can show up, so you can gain clarity around your symptoms and know when it may be time to seek support.
Like we previously mentioned, when people talk about depression, they often think of it as one single condition. In reality, depression can show up in several different ways, and the symptoms can vary from person to person.
Different types of depressive disorders come with distinct symptoms, which set them apart from one another. Here are the current depressive disorders listed in the most up-to-date version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).[1]
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most commonly diagnosed depressive disorder. Also called major depression, MDD is marked by depressive episodes lasting for at least two weeks, with symptoms occurring on all or most days. During that time, one must experience five or more of the following symptoms, one of which must be either persistent low mood or anhedonia.
Largely, MDD is what people think about when they say “clinical depression.” While they’re often used interchangeably, clinical depression is a general, non-diagnostic term for impairing symptoms.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is characterized by chronic, low-grade depression lasting for at least two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents.[2] During this timeframe, people with PDD have a persistently down, low, or depressed mood most of the day, more often than not, as well as at least two of the following symptoms.
As with other disorders, there are additional criteria one must meet. For example, symptoms must not be better attributed to another condition for a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder to occur.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, causes serious symptoms that begin 1-2 weeks prior to menstruation and end within a few days of your period starting. It is not “just PMS.” Symptoms of PMDD are associated with clinically significant distress or interference with relationships, work, school, or usual social activities.
People with PMDD experience symptoms all or most months before their period. These include at least one of the following:
As well as at least one of the following, making for a total of five or more symptoms.
About 10% of people who menstruate have PMDD.[3] Tracking your symptoms with a menstrual log is one of the best ways to help a provider accurately diagnose PMDD.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, or DMDD, is a childhood mental health condition. It causes ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. Criteria for DMDD include:
If left untreated, kids with DMDD are at a high risk of developing depressive or anxiety disorders in adulthood.[4]
Other depressive disorders listed in the DSM include:
Ruling out other causes is an important part of the diagnostic process.
Like depression, bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder. However, it is classified separately because it involves alternating mood episodes. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression along with episodes of hypomania or mania.
Bipolar disorder is not a single diagnosis, but a category that includes Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia). Each has its own pattern and severity of mood changes.
Treatment for bipolar disorder differs from treatment for major depressive disorder (which involves depression without episodes of mania or hypomania). Because bipolar disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression, understanding the signs of mania and hypomania is important. Recognizing these differences can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan.
In addition to the main depression diagnoses in the DSM-5, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), clinicians also use something called specifiers. The role of depression specifiers is to illustrate the “flavor” of depression a person has. In other words, specifiers help describe the specific way depression is showing up for an individual.
Even when two people share the same diagnosis, their experiences with depression can look very different. Some individuals may feel constantly slowed down and low in energy, while others may experience intense anxiety, agitation, or difficulty sleeping. Specifiers help mental health professionals capture these differences.
By identifying these patterns, psychiatrists and other providers can better understand a person’s symptoms and choose treatments that are more closely tailored to their needs. Core depressive specifiers described in the DSM-5 include the following:
When you are speaking to your doctor or mental health care provider, make sure to give them all of the information you can, even if it seems like unnecessary details. This can help your provider better tailor their treatment approaches and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Many people don’t realize that depression can take different forms. It’s common to hear someone say “depression is depression,” but in reality, there are several types of depressive disorders, and each can show up a little differently.
Understanding the specific type of depression a person is experiencing can make an important difference when it comes to treatment. Different symptoms and patterns often respond better to different treatment approaches.
For example, someone experiencing depression with catatonia may need treatment that addresses both depressive symptoms and the physical symptoms associated with catatonia. Similarly, conditions like Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) involve unique hormonal patterns that may require a different treatment approach than Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
This is why getting a proper evaluation from a mental health professional can be so helpful. A psychiatrist or qualified clinician will typically ask detailed questions about your symptoms, experiences, and medical history. You may also complete a short questionnaire to help identify patterns in mood, sleep, energy levels, and other symptoms.
Online depression screenings, like the one available on our website, can be a helpful starting point for understanding your symptoms. However, they are not a substitute for a full clinical evaluation and cannot provide a formal diagnosis.
If you’re looking for a depression specialist in Chicago who will take the time to listen and provide a thoughtful, accurate diagnosis, Clarity Clinic is here to help. Our team offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment services for depression in children, teens, and adults.
Chicago is home to an incredibly diverse and vibrant community, and we believe mental health care should reflect that. At Clarity Clinic, you’ll find a wide range of therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals from different backgrounds, allowing you to find a provider who feels like the right fit for you.
We offer a full range of depression treatment services, including psychiatry, therapy, structured programs such as PHP and IOP, and advanced treatments like TMS therapy. To make care as accessible as possible, we provide both in-person and online appointments.
You can visit us at one of our convenient Chicagoland locations:
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling better, our team is here to support you. Call Clarity Clinic at (312) 815-9660 or book an appointment online today. We accept most major insurance plans and are committed to helping you access compassionate, high-quality mental health care.
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References
[1] DSM. Psychiatry.org - DSM. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
[2] Patel, R. K. (2024a, August 11). Persistent depressive disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541052/
[3] Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Cleveland Clinic. (2026, February 12). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9132-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
[4] Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. (2025e, September 17). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24394-disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder-dmdd
[5] Munir, S. (2024, April 20). Seasonal affective disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568745/
[6] Carlson, K. (2025, January 22). Perinatal depression. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/
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