No, antidepressant does not help in treating all forms of depression. As the causes, symptoms and effects of each form of depression is different, the treatment also differs. It is important to know the form of depression and find out the main cause of depression before choosing the treatment.

Forms of depression are as follows:

Major depression: This is characterized by inability to experience pleasure in life.

Atypical depression: It includes mood lift but only in some typical situation for some particular time limit.

Dysthymia or mild depression: This is milder form of depression.

Seasonal affective disorder: In this case, season plays some role in arousing symptoms of depression.

Bipolar depression: This includes episodes of impulsive behavior, rapid speech, no sleep, and hyperactivity.

Depending on the forms of depression, the treatment will be prescribed by the doctor. For treating major depression, atypical depression antidepressant treatment is apt. But in case of mild form of depression, the first choice will be behavior therapy or self help measures. Only if these therapies fail, antidepressants are recommended. In treating seasonal affective disorder, light therapy is said to be useful. In case of bipolar depression, antidepressants are studied to make the situation even worse. The treatment of depression mainly depends on the cause of depression and in some cases the best approach is combination of self-help strategies, lifestyle alterations, and professional help rather than using antidepressants.