Depression is categorized as acute or chronic based on its duration and severity.

They contrast in various ways:

Acute depression

• Definition: A short-term episode of depression that comes on suddenly and is often triggered by a specific event, such as trauma, loss, or stress.
• Duration: Typically lasts less than 6 months, but can be intense.
• Symptoms: Similar to major depressive disorder (MDD), including persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, and suicidal thoughts.
• Examples:
  • Major depressive episode (MDE): A period of severe depression that lasts at least two weeks but may resolve in a few months with or without treatment.
  • Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: Depression triggered by a stressful life event that usually resolves once the stressor is gone or the person adapts.

Chronic depression

• Definition: A long-term form of depression that continues for years and can have a substantial impact on daily life.
• Duration: It lasts at least 2 years (or 1 year in children/adolescents).
• Symptoms: Less severe than acute episodes but more persistent, including low self-esteem, hopelessness, little energy, and difficulty concentrating.
• Examples:
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) (dysthymia): A low-grade but long-lasting form of depression that can fluctuate in intensity but never fully disappears.
  • Recurrent major depressive disorder: Repeated bouts of major depression over time, with periods of normal mood in between.

Key differences

Feature	Acute depression	Chronic depression
Onset	Sudden, triggered by an event.	Gradual, often without a clear trigger.
Duration	< 6 months.	≥ 2 years.
Severity	Often serious but temporary.	Milder but long-lasting.
Treatment response	It can improve with therapy/medication in weeks to months.	Requires long-term management.

When to seek help?

Seeking professional help is important if it affects daily life, causes suicidal thoughts, or goes on longer than a few weeks, regardless of whether the depression is acute or chronic.

Treatment options include therapy (CBT, psychotherapy), medication (SSRIs, SNRIs), and lifestyle changes.

Final note

Depression can be acute or chronic, depending on how long symptoms last and how they impact daily life.

Acute depression often comes on suddenly and may be triggered by a specific event, but it usually improves with time and treatment.

Chronic depression, on the other hand, lingers for two years or more and can feel like a constant emotional weight.

Recognizing the difference is important because while both forms are serious, they may require different approaches to care and support.