Can you imagine having a bad day that never ends by sunset and persists for years? If yes, you might be experiencing Persistent depressive disorder. Dysthymia is a chronic mental health disorder that lasts for years and impacts the overall functioning and mood of an individual. It typically lasts for more than two years, but it is less intense than major depressive disorder (MDD), which usually causes extreme episodes.
However, it lingers on and erodes energy, motivation, and makes a person feel sad & hopeless.
This article provides insights into what persistent depressive disorder is, its symptoms, risk factors, and how it can be treated.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Persistent depressive disorder is also known by the name dysthymia. It is a form of depression that is less severe than major depressive disorder but lasts longer. People experiencing dysthymia feel like their sadness and low mood are normal parts of life. It can occur at any age in adults and lasts longer than two years, whereas in children it lasts at least a year.
Moreover, PDD significantly impacts a person’s life, such as their ability to maintain relationships, academics, work, or enjoy their life. The persistent nature leads to sadness and displeasure with life.
What Are The Signs To Recognize Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Some of the common symptoms that can help in recognizing the PDD include:
- Low mood & sadness throughout the day
- Trouble sleeping
- Low energy
- Fatigue
- Irritated
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of interest in everyday life activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Trouble making a decision
- Worthlessness
- Low self-esteem
- Appetite issues
- Problem in completing the tasks
- Having no control over emotions
- Avoidance of social activities
- Feelings of guilt
Moreover, every individual’s experience differs in severity and symptoms. Symptoms can vary and fluctuate from time to time. If you feel like you are experiencing many of the symptoms you seek help from a professional mental health care specialist.
What Are The Risk Factors of Persistent Depressive Disorder?
The exact cause of persistent depressive disorder is not fully understood, but there are some factors that make an individual vulnerable to developing dysthymia.
That includes:
1. Brain Chemistry
People having differences in the brain structure, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and basal ganglia, are more inclined to develop PDD. These parts of the brain help with memory, emotions, and functioning.
2. Genetics
Genetics plays a major role in the development of persistent depressive disorder. If any of your family members had or have PDD, there is a high chance that you may also develop it.
3. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors make individuals more vulnerable to developing PDD. People who have experienced childhood trauma, major life stress, financial difficulties, loss of a loved one, a stressful work environment, or a lack of support can increase the risk of developing PDD.
What Treatments Are Available To Treat Persistent Depressive Disorder?
PDD can only be diagnosed with the help of a mental health professional. They follow the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
Due to long-lasting symptoms, one may think that this is how their personality is, and cannot be treated. Instead, it is highly treatable with the right combination of medication and therapies. PDD cannot go away on its own; it requires proper treatment. A mental healthcare expert recommends medications and therapies to help reduce the symptoms.
Here are some of the medications that can be helpful:
1. Medications
Some of the common medications that can be helpful in treating PDD include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Note: Medications can only be prescribed by a mental healthcare specialist after examining symptoms and the severity of the condition.
2. Pshycothereapies
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps to treat people who are struggling with persistent depressive disorders. It helps in managing the negative thoughts and patterns by intervening in the thoughts and changing them into helpful ones. CBT helps in developing healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal therapy helps in enhancing communication skills and improving relationships. People experiencing PDD have difficulty communicating how they feel. However, interpersonal therapy helps them to understand their emotions. In this therapy, a mental health care expert helps them learn how to lean on their relationships for support.
Moreover, it requires a number of sessions & an expert may also recommend medication alongside therapies for better results.
Let Us Help You Change Your Life
If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder, don’t hesitate to reach us!
Renewed Mental Health Group is committed to providing quality treatments to people who are struggling to manage mental health disorders. Our dedicated team of professional experts develops new perspectives by providing a continuum of care to meet you where you are and help get you where you need to be.
We utilize holistic approaches, which lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. You can also get access to our inpatient and telepsychiatric services from the comfort of your home.
Book your consultations today!
Last Thoughts
PDD is a chronic mental health condition that causes hopelessness, lack of interest, fatigue, and other symptoms. It can occur at any age and lasts longer than usual depression. It severely impacts the work and the relationships.
Moreover, people with this condition may think that being sad and hopeless is part of their personality, because it lasts for two years.
Additionally, the main causes of dysthymia are still unknown, but researchers may suggest that genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry play a major role in the development of dysthymia.
It is highly manageable with the right combination of medication and therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and Interpersonal therapy.