Many topics related to depression will be covered as you read. Clinical depression is a very serious disorder that affects millions of people in the United States every year. There are many reasons for depression and there are also many signs and symptoms that can help you identify depression affecting someone close to you. Depression can be treated in several forms through the use of antidepressants, coping strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy. There are many situations that can cause depression in each person for different reasons and can affect everyone in different ways and with different severity. It is believed that there are three types of depression: major depression, dysthymic disorder and minor depression. These three types of depression affect each individual in different ways and have different effects on a person's life. Major depression has a very large interference with a person's ability to sleep, eat, work, and many other aspects of daily life. “The most commonly diagnosed form of depression is major depressive disorder, which is characterized, among other symptoms, by a depressed mood for more than two weeks.” (Michael Ashworth, PH.D: Types of Depression) Dysthymic disorder is a depressive disorder that has long-lasting effects but is less severe than the symptoms of major depression. “Dysthymia is similar to major depressive disorder, but symptoms occur over a much longer period of time – more than 2 years. This is considered a chronic form of depression and treatment can be difficult since an individual with dysthymia has often already tried all types of treatment. “(Michael Ashworth, PH.D: Types Of Depression) Minor depression has ve... half of the document... which are available. Works Cited Ashworth, M. (2007). Types of depression. Psychological center. Retrieved May 3, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/types-of-depression/000908http://psychcentral.com/lib/types-of-depression/000908Murray, Caroline. 12 Surprising Causes of Depression. Retrieved April 21, 2014, from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20515167,00.htmlIliades, C (2014). 9 types of depression you need to know about. Retrieved May 3, 2014, from http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-pictures/different-types-of-depression.aspx Lickerman, A (2009). The real causes of depression. Retrieved May 2, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/200910/the-true-cause-depressionSmith, M (2014) Depression Symptoms & Warning Signs. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm