This website has information about the general effects of depression. There are also specific types of depression, which can have different symptoms or can occur at different times:

• Bipolar depression: Bipolar used to be known as manic depression and affects about 1 in 100 people.

• Perinatal or postnatal depression: A type of depression that occurs either during pregnancy or after the birth of a baby.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Commonly known as SAD, this form of depression typically develops in autumn and winter due to a lack of light.

• Dysthymia: A mild but more enduring type of depression usually affecting people for over two years.

• Atypical depression has symptoms that include weight gain, sleeping too much, and feeling anxious.

• Depression with psychosis is severe depression with hallucinations and delusions

We'll write more about atypical depression and depression with psychosis in the future. In the meantime, if you would like to know more about any of these types of depression or about treating depression, email Action on Depression.