By: Thomas Cheeseman
Depression doesn’t always appear like a crisis. Sometimes it’s quieter, longer-lasting, and easier to overlook.
Persistent Depressive Disorder, which has also previously been termed “dysthymia”, is a form of depression that can affect individuals for years—often without them realizing that what they’re experiencing a mental health condition.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by a depressed mood and that has been present for most of the day, more than 50% of days, for at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents). Less symptoms being present making this appear less acute compared to Major Depressive Disorder. However, the long-term nature of the presentation can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder: [for diagnosis you require depressed mood and two of the other symptoms being present most of the day, more days than not]
- Chronically sad or “down”;
- Low appetite or high appetite;
- Low in energy or fatigued;
- Low in self-esteem;
- Poor concentration or decision making;
- Insomnia or hypersomnia;
- Experiencing changes in appetite.
Because these symptoms persist over such a long period, they can be misdiagnosed as part of someone’s personality rather than signs of a treatable condition.
Not “just a sad person”
Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by a depressed mood and that has been present for most of the day, more than 50% of days, for at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents). Less symptoms being present making this appear less acute compared to Major Depressive Disorder. However, the long-term nature of the presentation can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder: [for diagnosis you require depressed mood and two of the other symptoms being present most of the day, more days than not]
- Chronically sad or “down”;
- Low appetite or high appetite;
- Low in energy or fatigued;
- Low in self-esteem;
- Poor concentration or decision making;
- Insomnia or hypersomnia;
- Experiencing changes in appetite.
Because these symptoms persist over such a long period, they can be misdiagnosed as part of someone’s personality rather than signs of a treatable condition.
Impact you may notice
Living with untreated persistent depressive disorder can affect on satisfaction and functioning in every domain of life. For example, close relationships may suffer due to irritability, withdrawal or difficulty experiencing joy in context-expected ways. It can also impact on career growth through reduced motivation and decision making.
Perhaps most importantly, individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder often stop expecting to feel better. This can lead to resignation which prevents them for seeking positive events or help with their feelings, reducing their quality of life and decreasing their motivation.
What can help?
The encouraging news is that Persistent Depressive Disorder has been shown to respond to treatment. Therapy and medication both have evidence to support change in symptoms. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help clients:
- Identify and challenge longstanding negative beliefs
- Build healthier coping strategies
- Improve communication and relationship skills
- Reconnect with activities that bring meaning and pleasure
Because PDD reflects long-term patterns, treatment may take time. However, small, gradual change of —improved energy, increased self-compassion, and a renewed sense of possibility– can make a big difference.
Seeking Support?
If you or someone you care about has felt persistently low, unmotivated, or hopeless for years—even while “functioning”—it may be worth speaking with a mental health professional about getting support. Depression does not have to be acute to deserve attention.
If you feel like maybe you could be managing Persistent Depressive Disorder, reach out to a local mental health professional.
Article supplied with thanks to The Centre for Effective Living.
Feature image: Canva
