There are a number of different depressive disorders out there, but most of the attention is drawn to Major Depressive Disorder.Major Depressive Disorder or...
There are a number of different depressive disorders out there, but most of the attention is drawn to Major Depressive Disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder or MDD is a serious condition that affects millions of people, but this post is about a lesser-known disorder known as Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia.
Persistent Depressive Disorder has a lot of commonalities with MDD, as you might have guessed from the name alone.
But, there are significant differences that attention should be drawn to.
As always, these blogs are meant to be informative, NOT diagnostic.
If you seem to experience many of the symptoms discussed, talk to your doctor or mental health service provider to get more information and the help you need.
Now, let's take a look at how Persistent Depressive Disorder is similar to and different from MDD.
As mentioned above, you probably have guessed the major similarity between Persistent Depressive Disorder and MDD already, Depression.
Like MDD, Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by having a depressed mood most of the day for more days than not.
What does a depressed mood look like? Here are some key signs of a depressed mood:
1) Poor appetite or overeating
2) Insomnia or Hypersomnia
3) Low energy or fatigue
4) Low self-esteem
5) Poor concentration
6) Feelings of hopelessness
These symptoms are tell-tale signs of both MDD and Persistent Depressive Disorder.
With so many commonalities it can be hard to assess what is really going on, and that's where the differences are crucial.
The biggest, but not the only difference, is longevity.
Just like the name states, Persistent Depressive Disorder is Persistent.
How persistent?
At least 2 Years!
That's a long time.
MDD is marked by lasting at least 2 weeks, while Persistent Depressive Disorder doesn't meet the mark until the symptoms have been present for at least 2 years straight.
Throughout that whole period, the person can't have gone more than 2 months without the symptoms mentioned above.
Another difference is the number of symptoms met.
For MDD that means 5 symptoms met consistently for at least 2 weeks; for Persistent Depressive Disorder, it's at least 2 symptoms for 2 years or more.
For that reason, some people consider Persistent Depressive Disorder to be considered a "high-functioning" MDD due to the fewer quantity of symptoms met at a time.
However, there are many people who meet 5 or more symptoms for the entire duration.
Some of you may be wondering what you can do about depression, or if there are different treatment approaches for different types of depression.
The good news is, whether you're working through MDD or Persistent Depressive Disorder, many of the treatment approaches are the same!
The root cause of depression is still unknown- there are biological components, social, and sometimes even genetic implications.
However, there are some things that work to decrease depression across the board, here are a few:
1) Healthy Diet
2) Regular Exercise
3) Consistent sleep and wake-up times
4) Journaling
5) Goal setting
6) Play
7) Positive social circle
If you feel like you meet all these but still struggle with depression talk to a mental health care provider or your primary care doctor to find out all your options.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a great start!
Above we covered how MDD and Persistent Depressive Disorder share many of the same symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness.
We also learned that the biggest difference was that MDD requires 5 symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks while Persistent Depressive Disorder requires at least 2 symptoms for a minimum of 2 years!
Lastly, we covered a variety of approaches that help reduce depressive symptoms such as diet, exercise, social circle, goal setting, and consistent sleep schedules.
If you feel that you meet the above criteria don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health service provider to see what help is available.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Addressing depression is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life, overall well-being, and ability to function in daily activities. Left untreated, depression can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and physical health complications.
Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Yes! In fact, it's encouraged that you open up to your therapist so they can gain deeper insight into your individual situation and develop the most effective treatment plan possible that works best for you. Your therapist is there to serve as an unbiased source of support who will respect any thoughts or feelings shared within the session without judgment or criticism.
If your symptoms of depression have been persistent and interfere with your daily life, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. It's also a good idea to get medical advice if you experience any thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Therapy provides many benefits for people battling depression. Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in managing depressive symptoms. In addition, therapy can teach healthy coping skills and provide emotional support during difficult times. It may also be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan which includes medication as well as lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and improved nutrition.
There are many helpful resources available, including support groups, online forums, books and websites dedicated to mental health and wellness. Connecting with other people struggling with the same issue can be especially beneficial. Additionally, talking to a trusted friend or family member can provide much-needed social support during difficult times.
