Dysthymia

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a form of chronic depression. The term combines two earlier diagnoses — dysthymia and chronic major depressive disorder. Like other types of depression, people with PDD may experience feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness. While these symptoms are present in all forms of depression, in PDD they may persist for many years. The constant nature of these symptoms means that the condition may interfere with school, work, and personal relationships. However, a combination of medication and therapy can be effective in treating PDD. The symptoms of PDD are similar to those of 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 • depression almost every day for most of the day • having a poor appetite or overeating • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep • low energy or fatigue • low self-esteem • poor concentration or difficulty making decisions • feelings of hopelessness Depression is common — anyone can experience it at any time. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that In addition, around The cause of PDD isn’t known. Certain factors may contribute to the development of the condition. These include: • imbalances in brain circuitry • stressful or traumatic life events, such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems • physical brain trauma, such as a PDD is a complex mood disorder. While researchers do not fu...

Dysthymia and depression can both result in feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness. However, these two conditions vary in the severity and consistency of their symptoms. While some people may use the terms above, the medical classifications for dysthymia and depression are persistent depressive disorder (PDD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), respectively. Understanding these differences can be an important first step toward getting the right treatment. Read on to learn more about how the conditions differ in their symptoms, how medical professionals can diagnose them, and what treatment options are available to you. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek help. The following services can provide confidential assistance, information, and support: • Call the • Text “HOME” to the • Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency. • Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with If you or someone you know is facing mental or substance use disorders, call Medical professionals typically use PDD to describe a person who experiences clinically significant depression over a long period. As a result, the most significant difference between the two conditions is how long a person may experience symptoms. For a diagnosis of MDD, symptoms must last at least The two conditions also differ in terms of recurrence and severity. While people with PDD will typically experience depression for longer than someone with Bet...

What is dysthymia? Dysthymia is a milder, but long-lasting form of depression. It’s also called persistent depressive disorder. People with this condition may also have bouts of major depression at times. Depression is a mood disorder that involves your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, think about things, and feel about yourself. It’s not the same as being unhappy or in a "blue" mood. It’s not a sign of weakness or something that can be willed or wished away. People with depression can’t "snap out of it" and get better. Treatment is key to recovery. Dysthymia affects women twice as often as men. Some people may also have depression or bipolar disorder. What causes dysthymia? There is no clear cause for this type of depression. Mental health professionals think it’s a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Many factors are thought to contribute to depression. These include environmental, psychological, biological, and genetic factors. Chronic stress and trauma have also been linked to this condition. Dysthymia seems to run in families, but no genes have yet been linked to it. What are the symptoms of dysthymia? Dysthymia is milder, yet more long lasting than major depression. Each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood • Less ability to concentrate, think, and/or make decisions • Less energy • Fatigue • Feeling hopeless • Weight and/or appetite changes due to over- or unde...

Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, is a form of chronic The condition: • is less severe than major depression, but lasts for longer periods of time • is marked by persistent feeling of mild depression or irritability but may cause more extreme feelings from time to time • is often undiagnosed, and if left untreated can lead to more serious mental health and behavioral problems • can be treated using psychotherapy and medication Dysthymia | Symptoms & Causes What causes persistent depressive disorder? The exact cause for persistent depressive disorder is not known, but experts point to several risk factors for developing depressive disorders: • family history of depressive disorder • temperamental factors: negative affectivity • environmental stressors such as: • death of a parent, relative, or friend • abuse or neglect • other mental health problems such as • divorce or illness in the family • dealing with a chronic medical illness • chronic social or academic difficulties Who is affected by persistent depressive disorder? Persistent depressive disorder is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of age, race, ethnic background, gender, or income level. What are the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder? A child or adolescent with persistent depressive disorder will experience a depressed or irritable mood on most days for at least a year. In addition, the child will exhibit appetite changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor ...

Recent Examples on the Web It is categorized as a mental illness, on the low end of the spectrum of manic depressive illness, with dysthymia — its depressive equivalent — at the other end of the spectrum. — Gregg Martin, STAT, 31 Oct. 2021 Low grade depression or dysthymia can start to feel normal. — Ashley Stahl, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2021 In the second, at the opposite end of things, are people who already have a clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder or a persistent version known as dysthymia. — James Hamblin, The Atlantic, 22 May 2020 Another person may have low-grade depressive symptoms that last a really long time, otherwise known as dysthymia. — Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 23 Apr. 2020 There are several different forms of depression (like dysthymia, postpartum depression, or seasonal affective disorder), but major depressive disorder is typically the form that most people are familiar with. — D. Elizabeth, SELF, 24 Oct. 2018 Diagnoses like depression, dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, and bipolar disorder all benefit from CBT, too. — Molly Burford, Allure, 16 Oct. 2019 Silverman explains that in the DSM-5, experts essentially collapsed two mood disorders—chronic major depressive disorder and dysthymia—into one: PDD. — Claire Gillespie, SELF, 19 Nov. 2018 See More These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dysthymia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Mer...

Persistent depressive disorder (previously known as dysthymia) is a long-lasting depression. It can feel as if it’s just part of who you are — but it doesn’t have to be. Though not as common as depression, persistent depressive disorder (PDD) affects many people worldwide. Estimates suggest that PDD was previously known by two other names: dysthymia and chronic depression. This condition often goes untreated. People may think that because they’ve lived with the symptoms for so long, it’s just part of who they are, or there’s no fixing whatever is “wrong” with them. As the name suggests, persistent depressive disorder is persistent, so treatment won’t happen overnight — but there are many types of support and options on your side. Treating There are several types of therapy for PDD. Cognitive behavioral therapy One goal of CBT is to help you “rewire” your thoughts. Many people with depression experience distorted ways of thinking, which may be even more ingrained if you have persistent depression. Your thoughts may automatically go to places like “I will never get better” or “I’m a failure,” which can make you feel worse. A therapist can help you learn to recognize these CBT can also help you: • explore how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors affect your life and actions • problem solve • learn coping skills and relaxation techniques CBASP Cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) is a newer therapy specifically developed for managing chronic depressi...

Dysthymia, also commonly known as dysthymic disorder or persistent depressive disorder, is a type of chronic depression in which someone experiences symptoms for up to two years or more. Dysthymia symptoms are similar to other types of depression but are often experienced at a lower level for a more extended period and can usually be treated through therapy and medication. • • • • • • • • • What is dysthymia? Dysthymia is a persistent, often low-level, Dysthymia is a relatively new term for this combination of ongoing symptoms, so your doctor might be more familiar with the phrase “persistent depressive disorder.” For a long time, dysthymia was misunderstood as a personality disorder, but recent research has improved how it is interpreted and led to this term coming into use. Symptoms of dysthymia Dysthymia symptoms, or depressive disorder symptoms, are experienced in a range of ways by different people but can include any combination of the following: • Depressed mood, feeling sad or down • Tiredness or low energy levels, to the extent it makes it hard to do things • Poor self-esteem or feeling negative about yourself • Struggling to concentrate or make decisions that you wouldn’t usually find hard • Feeling hopeless or pessimistic about the future • Eating too much or too little • Difficulty sleeping, either sleeping too long or too little • Losing interest in the things you usually enjoy • Suicidal thoughts and feelings Even if you only experience some of these symptoms...