My Health Digest
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a form of chronic depression. It’s a relatively new diagnosis that combines the two earlier diagnoses dysthymia and chronic major depressive disorder. Like other types of depression, PDD causes continuous feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness. These feelings can affect your mood and behavior as well as physical functions, including appetite and sleep. As a result, people with the disorder often lose interest in doing activities they once enjoyed and have difficulty finishing daily tasks.
These symptoms are seen in all forms of depression. In PDD, however, the symptoms are less severe and longer lasting. They can persist for years and may interfere with school, work, and personal relationships. The chronic nature of PDD can also make it more challenging to cope with the symptoms. However, a combination of medication and talk therapy can be effective in treating PDD.
The symptoms of PDD are similar to those of depression. However, the key difference is that PDD is chronic, with symptoms occurring on most days for at least two years. These symptoms include:
The symptoms of PDD often begin to appear during childhood or adolescence. Children and teens with PDD may appear to be irritable, moody, or pessimistic over an extended period. They may also display behavior problems, poor performance at school, and difficulty interacting with other children in social situations. Their symptoms may come and go over several years, and the severity of them may vary over time.
The cause of PDD isn’t known. Certain factors may contribute to the development of the condition. These include:
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will first perform a physical examination. Your doctor will also perform blood tests or other laboratory tests to rule out possible medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. If there’s no physical explanation for your symptoms, then your doctor may begin to suspect that you have a mental health condition.
Your doctor will ask you certain questions to assess your current mental and emotional state. It’s important to be honest with your doctor about your symptoms. Your responses will help them determine whether you have PDD or another type of mental illness.
Many doctors use the symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose PDD. This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The PDD symptoms listed in the DSM-5 include:
For adults to be diagnosed with the disorder, they must experience a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, for two or more years.
For children or teens to be diagnosed with the disorder, they must experience a depressed mood or irritability most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one year.
Treatment for PDD consists of medication and talk therapy. Medication is believed to be a more effective form of treatment than talk therapy when used alone. However, a combination of medication and talk therapy is often the best course of treatment.
PDD can be treated with various types of antidepressants
You may need to try different medications and dosages to find an effective solution for you. This requires patience, as many medications take several weeks to take full effect.
Talk to your doctor if you continue to have concerns about your medication. Your doctor may suggest making a change in dosage or medication. Never stop taking your medication as directed without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping treatment suddenly or missing several doses may cause withdrawal-like symptoms and make depressive symptoms worse.
Talk therapy is a beneficial treatment option for many people with PDD. Seeing a therapist can help you learn how to:
Talk therapy can be done individually or in a group. Support groups are ideal for those who wish to share their feelings with others who are experiencing similar problems.
PDD is a long-lasting condition, so it’s important to participate actively in your treatment plan. Making certain lifestyle adjustments can complement medical treatments and help ease symptoms. These remedies include: