Depression is neither a neurosis, psychosis, nor a personality disorder. Instead, it falls under the category of mood disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a widely used classification system for mental health conditions.
Mood disorders are characterized by disturbances in a person's emotional state and can include various conditions such as major depressive disorder (commonly referred to as depression), bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia).
To differentiate between the terms you mentioned:
Neurosis: This is an outdated term that was used historically to describe a range of mental disorders characterized by distress but without significant impairment of reality testing. Neurosis is no longer a formal diagnostic category in modern mental health classifications like the DSM-5.
Psychosis: Psychosis is a term used to describe a severe mental condition where an individual loses touch with reality. It involves experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not), delusions (strongly held false beliefs), and disorganized thinking or behavior. Psychosis is typically associated with conditions such as schizophrenia and certain forms of bipolar disorder.
Personality disorder: Personality disorders are a distinct category of mental health disorders characterized by deeply ingrained patterns of behavior and ways of thinking that cause significant distress or impairment in a person's life. Examples of personality disorders include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder.
In summary, depression is a mood disorder and is not classified as a neurosis, psychosis, or personality disorder. It is essential to consult a mental health professional if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression to receive proper evaluation and treatment.