You’ve likely heard the term ‘depression’ quite a few times in your life. People typically use it to mean that they are sad, and of course, it has a clinical meaning as well. But have you heard of Persistent depressive disorder? You may not have. It’s a term that isn’t used as frequently, but that doesn’t mean it’s something that you shouldn’t pay attention to.

In this article, we’ll explain this particular form of depression and how to get help for it if you need it.

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression. It’s considered milder than major depression, with fewer of the intense side effects and symptoms than that condition entails. Peer-reviewed studies indicate that approximately 3% of adults in the U.S. will, at some point in their life, experience symptoms of dysthymia. This is comparable to the 1 in 6 people who will experience depression of any kind at some point in their life. Worldwide, the prevalence of PDD is estimated at 12%.

People with Persistent Depressive Disorder may struggle with feelings of sadness and hopelessness for years, which can interfere with their performance at school, work, or in their personal relationships. If you have struggled with these feelings for years, it may be that you are suffering from dysthymia.

Background and Epidemiology

Persistent depressive disorder is a relatively new diagnosis, and as such, it is poorly understood. It was coined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).

Prior to the DSM-V, PDD was considered more as a personality trait rather than a full-blown disorder. While the name we have currently does not yet exist for it, lasting depression has been known, dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks. For example, Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” wrote about people who were prone to “melancholic temperament.” The word dysthymia was first introduced as a medical term in the 19th Century by Friedrich Flemming, who used it to distinguish mood disorders from other mental disorders.

Roughly three percent of American adults are estimated to suffer from dysthymia. Women are twice as likely to suffer from it as men. It is unclear what age group is more likely, as, again, PDD is a new diagnosis. However, it is known that rates of depression tend to decrease with age, so it may be that Persistent Depressive Disorder is more common in younger people.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

According to the DSM-V, a person with dysthymia or PDD will need to meet a couple of criteria to receive a diagnosis of the condition.

First and most importantly, they need to have been suffering from “depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated by subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years.”

Alongside this, the person will need to have experienced at least two of the following symptoms:

• Poor appetite or overeating
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Low energy or fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness

During this two-year period, the person with dysthymia will not be without at least two of the symptoms listed above for more than a two-month period.

What Causes Persistent Depressive Disorder?

The cause of persistent depressive disorder is not known at this time. As with major depression, it may involve things like genetics and traumatic life events.

Risk factors for Persistent Depressive Disorder may include:

• Having a first-degree blood relative who suffers from clinical depression or related conditions
• Stressful or traumatic life events such as the loss of a loved one or severe financial difficulty
• Personality traits such as a tendency toward pessimism or low self-esteem
• History of other mental health disorders

Understanding these risk factors and triggers is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and treatment plans, as well as for fostering a supportive environment for individuals affected by PDD.

Impact of Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder can impact all aspects of your life. While its symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder, they last much longer, up to two years. Because of this, it can slowly wear you down over time.

You may feel sad and empty, lose interest in once-enjoyed activities, and have trouble getting things done. Persistent Depressive Disorder can thus cause you to stagnate, losing valuable time you will never get back, squander opportunities, and allow relationships to wither away. Your performance at work can suffer; if you get fired, this will further pile on the stress, potentially leading to worsened PDD symptoms.

One of the most challenging aspects of Persistent Depressive Disorder is its effect on self-esteem and self-perception. Persistent feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and self-doubt can erode an individual’s confidence and sense of self-worth. This negative self-view can perpetuate the cycle of depression, making it difficult for individuals to see any possibility of improvement or success.

Persistent Depressive Disorder can also impact physical health. The constant stress and emotional strain can contribute to a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. Individuals with PDD may experience weight fluctuations, either gaining or losing weight, due to changes in eating habits. Chronic stress associated with PDD can also lead to physical health problems such as cardiovascular issues or a weakened immune system. Addressing both the mental and physical aspects of Persistent Depressive Disorder is crucial for promoting overall well-being and improving quality of life.