Persistent Depressive Disorder

What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Have you been feeling down in the dumps for more than two weeks, with no end in sight? You may be experiencing Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). PDD is a form of depression that can last for years—even decades. It’s characterized by a low mood that’s present most of the day and at least two other symptoms, such as reduced appetite/weight loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt and low self-worth, and more.

Like all mental health disorders, PDD is caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. While it’s impossible to pinpoint one cause, we do know that it most often affects people who have experienced childhood trauma or significant life changes and people who have family members with depression or another mental health disorder.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling down for an extended period. One in ten adults has PDD at some point in their life. Understanding the condition is the first step to treatment. So don’t wait—start learning what it means to have PDD today!

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder

Do you feel like you have been in a state of low mood for more than two years? That may be a sign you have persistent depressive disorder (PDD).

PDD is a type of depression that is long-lasting and causes feelings of low self-esteem and sadness, as well as changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. People with PDD may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues. PDD can be a challenging condition to diagnose because the symptoms can be mistaken for other mental health conditions or dismissed as a “personality trait” or “just the way someone is.” It’s also possible for people with PDD to have periods of remission, where they feel better for a while, but then the symptoms return.

The exact causes of PDD are not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Research has shown that people with PDD often have a family history of depression, and certain personality traits, such as neuroticism or introversion, may increase the risk of developing the condition.

Other common signs of PDD include:

• Loss of interest in day-to-day activities
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Increased irritability or anger
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts or actions.

It’s important to note that everyone experiences symptoms differently. If you think that you may be experiencing persistent depressive disorder, it’s important to talk to your health care provider. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs.

Diagnosing Persistent Depressive Disorder

When diagnosing persistent depressive disorder, your doctor may ask questions about your thoughts and feelings, and your family history. They may also suggest a physical exam to rule out any potential medical issues that could contribute to your symptoms.

Your doctor will also evaluate your symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder. This can include:

• Having a depressed mood on most days for at least two years
• Difficulty enjoying activities or feeling pleasure
• Feeling stressed or sad, hopelessness, guilt and/or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and chronic pain

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for two years or more, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis. Once you have been diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, treatment can begin.

Treatment Options for Persistent Depressive Disorder

If you are struggling with persistent depressive disorder, treatment is available. The most common treatment plan includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Treatment for PDD typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can help alleviate the symptoms of PDD by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help people with PDD learn coping skills and develop more positive thought patterns.

Medication

Common medications prescribed to treat persistent depressive disorder include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

Before beginning any medication, talk to your doctor about potential side effects and risks. It is also important to be aware that medications take time to start working—it may take a few weeks to see results from the medications prescribed.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (or ‘talk therapy’) is another form of treatment used for persistent depressive disorder. It is usually combined with medication and has shown good results in treating depression. During psychotherapy sessions, you will work with a mental health professional to identify and change negative thought patterns, behavioral patterns, and discuss underlying issues that may be contributing to the depression. It is also an opportunity for you to gain insight into yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, and acquire life skills that can help you lead a more positive lifestyle.

How to Help Someone With Persistent Depressive Disorder

When someone close to you is diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, it can be difficult to know how to help and show your support. Here are some suggestions:

1. Listen and be present – Make sure that your friend or family member knows that you are available if they need someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on.
2. Be patient and understanding – Explain that treatment can take time, and that even if things seem hopeless right now, they will improve in the future.
3. Encourage healthy activities – Suggest activities such as exercise, yoga, outdoor walks or volunteering. Participating in positive activities can provide much-needed relief from the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder.
4. Help research treatments – Explore options with your loved one, such as talk therapy, medication and lifestyle changes (such as dietary changes). Educate yourself about these treatments and understand what might work best for them.
5. Take care of yourself too – Looking after someone else’s mental health can sometimes be draining; make sure that you take time out for yourself too!