What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

What is persistent depressive disorder? Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a condition in which the individual has persistent symptoms of depression that last at least two years (but very often much longer). Symptoms are less severe than those with major depression.

Persistent depressive disorder is not as debilitating or disabling as major depression, but a person with persistent depressive disorder can also experience major depression episodes. When this happens it is known as double depression.

It can be difficult to diagnose someone with persistent depressive disorder because often times the individual believes that’s just the way they are. They do not believe anything is wrong with them and therefore cannot be treated. The reality is persistent depressive disorder can be treated successfully.

Causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder

There is no known exact cause of persistent depressive disorder, similar to major depression it may have many causes including:

Life Events – Repeated trauma can result in persistent depressive disorder. As frequently happens trauma can disrupt a life so that other events snowball out of control. Being constantly stressed out due to finances, drug addiction of a loved one, illness in the family, etc can all trigger persistent depressive disorder in some individuals.

Genetic Predisposition – Those with persistent depressive disorder are more likely to have close relatives with the same disorder.

Biological and Chemical Differences – Changes in the function of neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved with mood stability may play a major role in depression. There may also be physical changes to the brain that cause persistent depressive disorder.

What are the Risk Factors?

Those who develop dysthymia often do so in childhood or the teen years. It begins early and it is chronic so it is important to seek help as soon as possible. People who are more likely to develop persistent depressive disorder have the following risk factors:

• A history of mental health disorders
• Having close relatives with major depressive disorder or other depressive disorders
• Traumatic life events like the loss of a parent if young or chronic financial distress in a family
• Those with low self esteem, are self critical, pessimistic and are habitually negative

Those who suffer from persistent depressive disorder are at greater risk for other complications such as a reduced quality of life, substance abuse, difficulties in relationships, school and work problems, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and other mental health conditions.

Persistent depressive disorder can severely reduce the quality of a person’s life so it is important that they get the help they need to overcome the worst of the disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from this chronic condition please seek help. With therapy those with persistent depressive disorder can lead productive and happier lives than before.