LEARNING MORE ABOUT EMOTIONAL DISRUPTIONS

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEPRESSION?

Depression can present in different ways, each with unique characteristics:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) – Chronic, long-term depression lasting two years or more, often milder than MDD but still disruptive.

• Bipolar Disorder (I & II) – Alternating episodes of depression and mania (Bipolar I) or hypomania (Bipolar II) that affect mood stability.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – A type of depression linked to changes in sunlight exposure, often occurring in winter months.

• Postpartum Depression (PPD) – Severe depressive symptoms following childbirth due to hormonal and emotional changes.
   

Proper depression testing ensures an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANXIETY?

Anxiety disorders vary in symptoms and severity, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Persistent worry and tension about everyday life, even when no clear stressor is present.

• Panic Disorder – Sudden episodes of intense fear, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness known as panic attacks.

• Social Anxiety Disorder – Extreme fear of social situations, public speaking, or being judged by others.

• Specific Phobias – Intense fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., heights, flying, or needles).

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety.
   

Comprehensive anxiety testing can differentiate between these conditions and guide appropriate treatment.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAUMA DISORDERS? 

Trauma-related disorders develop after experiencing or witnessing distressing events. Common types include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional distress after trauma.

• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) – Similar to PTSD but symptoms occur within the first month after a traumatic event.

• Adjustment Disorder – Emotional and behavioral reactions to a stressful life event, such as job loss or divorce, that significantly impact daily life.

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) – A severe form of PTSD caused by prolonged trauma, often linked to childhood abuse or repeated exposure to distressing experiences.
   

Trauma assessments help determine the severity of symptoms and the best course of treatment.

HOW DO YOU TREAT THEM?

Effective treatment for mood and trauma disorders often includes a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.

• Exposure Therapy is effective for anxiety and PTSD by gradually reducing fear responses.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy for trauma processing and PTSD relief.

• Medication (such as SSRIs or SNRIs) may be recommended for managing depression and anxiety symptoms.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy and lifestyle changes (e.g., sleep hygiene, exercise, and nutrition) can also support long-term recovery.
   

At Rock Springs Psychological Testing Center, we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations to ensure accurate diagnosis and guide personalized treatment recommendations for optimal mental health.