Some related conditions

Postnatal depression

Some women develop depression just after having a baby. See separate leaflet called 'Postnatal Depression' for details.

Bipolar affective disorder

In some people, depression can alternate with periods of elation and over-activity (mania or hypomania). This is called bipolar affective disorder or manic-depression. Treatment tends to include mood stabiliser medicines such as lithium. See separate leaflet called 'Bipolar Affective Disorder' for details.

Seasonal affective disorder

Some people develop recurrent depression in the winter months only. This is called 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' or SAD. For people in the UK with SAD, symptoms of depression usually develop each year sometime between September and November, and continue until March or April. You, and your doctor, may not realize that you have SAD for several years. This is because recurring depression is quite common. You may have been treated for depression several times over the years before it is realized that you have the seasonal pattern of SAD. Treatment of SAD is similar to other types of depression. However, 'light therapy' is also effective. See separate leaflet called 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' for details.

Other mental health problems

Depression sometimes occurs at the same time as other mental health problems.

• People with anxiety, panic disorder, and personality disorders quite commonly also develop depression. As a rule, depression should be treated first, followed by treatment of the other disorder. In particular, anxiety will often improve following treatment of depression.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia may accompany depression. In this situation the eating disorder is usually the main target of treatment.