Differences Between "New Type Depression" and Traditional Depression and How to Cope: Supporting Those Who Are Energetic Outside of Work

Table of Contents

1. What is Modern-Type Depression?

2. Three Major Differences from Traditional Depression

3. Cultural Backgrounds Noted in Japan

4. Symptom Checklist

5. Medical Approaches and Limitations

6. Five Steps Companies and Managers Should Take

7. Support from Family and Friends

8. Comparison with Overseas: Cultural Differences and Commonalities

9. Case Study: Actual Return-to-Work Programs

10. Summary and Future Challenges

1. What is Modern-Type Depression?

In the mid-2000s, cases among young people characterized by "severe depression only at work, energetic in private life" surged, and began to be called "Modern-Type Depression (MTD)." The main features include situational dependency, mood reversal, a tendency to blame others, and avoidance behavior. In DSM-5, there is no strict diagnosis name, and it is discussed within the spectrum of adjustment disorders and atypical depression.sciencedirect.compsychiatryonline.org

2. Three Major Differences from Traditional Depression

3. Cultural Backgrounds Noted in Japan

Japan's traditional "melancholic depression" was often seen in diligent and responsible individuals, whereas MTD patients are described as "waiting for instructions and assertive," analyzed as being influenced by changes in work values and the instability of lifetime employment.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govjstor.org

4. Symptom Checklist (For Self-Assessment)

• Feeling extremely exhausted when thinking about work

• Being lively with friends on social media during holidays

• Tendency to blame failures on superiors or the organization

• Believing "the right job will cure it"

• Sleeping well but feeling worse on Monday mornings
  If three or more items apply, consulting a specialist is recommended.kokoro.mhlw.go.jp

5. Medical Approaches and Limitations

Reports often indicate that antidepressants alone are less effective, and a combination of mood stabilizers, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) is recommended. Behavioral retraining through rework programs is essential before returning to work.kokoro.mhlw.go.jpkobe-kyosai.jp

6. Five Steps Companies and Managers Should Take

1. Listening and Psychological Safety－Share facts without denial

2. Small-Steps Approach to Tasks－Visualize a sense of achievement

3. Clarification of Role Boundaries－Define limits on excessive demands

4. Regular Meetings and Collaboration with Occupational Physicians－Determine diagnosis and work feasibility

5. Follow-up After Returning to Work－Gradual load adjustment and reflection
   This prevents the superior from treating the individual as a "delicate matter" and avoids feelings of unfairness among colleagues, while promoting personal growth.kobe-kyosai.jpkokoro.mhlw.go.jp

7. Support from Family and Friends

• Monitoring Daily Routines: Fix wake-up times

• Positive Feedback: Verbalize small successes

• Accompanying to Medical Appointments: Share information and support continued treatment

• Prioritize "Acceptance of Emotions" Over "Finding Solutions": Prioritize verbalizing emotions over giving advice

• Maintaining Boundaries: Avoid financial dependency and excessive indulgence
  cocoromi-mental.jp

8. Comparison with Overseas: Cultural Differences and Commonalities

Western "atypical depression" and MTD overlap in mood reversal, but tendencies to blame others and depression limited to the workplace are considered unique to Japan. The importance of multi-professional collaboration and workplace mental health education is a commonality, and EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) are effective in international companies.verywellhealth.compubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

9. Case Study: Actual Return-to-Work Programs

Company A (IT company) implemented a 6-week rework program. By having employees come to the office three days a week and review their "personal challenges" for 30 minutes a day through job crafting tasks, absenteeism decreased by 70% in six months. Supervisors also learned to ask "questions that make subordinates think," significantly improving team turnover rates (internal documents).kobe-kyosai.jp

10. Summary and Future Challenges

Modern-Type Depression exists in a gray area where "illness" and "difficulty in adaptation" intersect. Organizations need to run "treatment and education" in parallel, while individuals must actively engage in "self-insight and behavioral change." As multicultural workplaces increase today, foreign staff can support their colleagues by having the correct knowledge and awareness of boundaries.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

List of Reference Articles

• Kato TA et al. "Multidimensional Anatomy of Modern Type Depression in Japan." Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (2017) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Modern-Type Depression" (2024) kanto-ctr-hsp.com

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "Q3: Understanding and Countermeasures for So-Called Modern-Type Depression?" (2025) kokoro.mhlw.go.jp

• Amagasaki Industrial Health