Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as Dysthymia, is a type of depression that is less severe but longer-lasting compared to major depressive disorder (MDD). It is characterized by chronic low mood, poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy, low self-esteem, and poor concentration. These symptoms can last for two years or more, and can greatly affect an individual’s daily life, including work, school, and relationships.
Despite its persistence, PDD can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as MDD. It is important to seek treatment for this condition, as PDD can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life.
Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Chronic Depressive Disorder (PDD), often called Dysthymia, is characterised by long-lasting and persistent poor mood. Some of the additional symptoms that may accompany this persistently down mood are:
- Chronic low mood: This is the hallmark symptom of PDD, and refers to a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness that can last for a period of two years or more.
- Poor appetite or overeating: People with PDD may experience changes in appetite, such as losing their appetite or overeating.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia: PDD can cause disturbances in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia).
- Low energy: People with PDD may experience a lack of energy or fatigue that can greatly impact their daily life.
- Low self-esteem: People with PDD may have a negative self-image and may feel inadequate, unloved, or unworthy.
- Poor concentration: PDD can cause difficulties with focusing and retaining information, making it difficult to complete tasks at work or school.
Causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Depression, specifically Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), may have serious consequences for a person’s day-to-day functioning. Although its precise origin remains unknown, PDD is thought to result from a combination of various causes.
- Genetics: Evidence supports a genetic component to PDD, suggesting it may be heritable. Evidence suggests that those with a genetic predisposition to depression are at a higher risk for the disorder in themselves and their offspring.
- Brain chemistry: Unbalanced levels of neurotransmitters in the brain have been linked to depression. The inability to maintain a stable emotional state is a hallmark of PDD, and these abnormalities might make it harder to do so.
- Life events, such as trauma or abuse: Abuse, loss, or other significant life upheavals are all examples of traumatic life experiences that may set off a downward spiral into depression. PDD may be more prevalent in those who have been subjected to prolonged stress or trauma.
- Chronic stress: Negative effects on health, both mental and physical, as well as a possible relationship to the onset of depression, have been linked to prolonged exposure to stress. Those who are always under pressure may be more vulnerable to PDD.
- Substance abuse: Abuse of drugs and alcohol may exacerbate depressive symptoms and make it more difficult to treat depression. Addiction may increase a person’s risk for pervasive developmental disorder.
Treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder
There is still much mystery surrounding the origins of PDD, commonly known as Dysthymia. However, it is considered that a variety of causes contribute to its growth.
- Genetics: Studies have shown that there may be a genetic link between PDD and certain susceptibility to the condition due to specific gene variants.
- Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitter and other chemical imbalances in the brain have been implicated with PDD. Mood, vitality, and other psychological factors may all be impacted by chemical imbalances.
- Life events: Traumatic life experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or the death of a loved one, have been linked to an increased likelihood of PDD.
- Chronic stress: Long-term exposure to stressful circumstances or surroundings, a kind of chronic stress, has been linked to PDD.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse: Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs might raise the risk of PDD or exacerbate its symptoms if they already present.
Coping Strategies to Help Manage Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Although it may be difficult, there are methods for dealing with the symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). Self-care methods and coping skills, in addition to professional therapy, may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Methods of self-care and dealing with PDD symptoms are as follows:
- Those with PDD may benefit from cultivating a more in-depth awareness of their internal experiences by practising mindfulness.
- Maintain a regular exercise routine; this has been proved to improve mood and may aid PDD sufferers in controlling their symptoms.
- Actively pursuing one’s passions and interests has been shown to help people with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) feel better about themselves and their lives.
- Refrain from excessive alcohol and drug usage; doing so might exacerbate PDD symptoms and make the disorder more difficult to control.
- Get a good night’s rest; lack of sleep has been linked to low mood and worsened PDD symptoms. Implementing healthy sleep habits and getting enough shut-eye each night should be a top priority.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced, nutritious diet may do wonders for your mental and physical well-being.
- Self-compassion is treating oneself with kindness and understanding, rather than resorting to self-criticism or destructive internal monologues.
- Make connections: People with PDD may better control their symptoms and enhance their quality of life by cultivating and sustaining relationships with others who care about them.
Takeaway
Dysthymia, or Persistent Depressive Disorder, is a kind of depression defined by a poor mood that lasts for a lengthy period of time and does not lift. A person’s career, relationships, and general quality of life may all be negatively impacted by the symptoms of PDD.
However, PDD is curable despite its severe nature. Seeking the assistance of a mental health expert is crucial if you are suffering symptoms of PDD. When you see a mental health expert, they may diagnose you with PDD and come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.
PDD treatment options may include talking therapy, medication, and behavioural modification. People with PDD may benefit from cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT), which teaches them new strategies for dealing with their symptoms. Mood-regulating and symptom-controlling medication, such as antidepressants, may also be recommended. You may also find relief from your symptoms by making adjustments to your daily routine, such as adopting a healthier diet, increasing your physical activity, and instituting better sleep habits.
In conclusion, if you or someone you know is dealing with PDD, know that you are not alone and that support is available. Effective therapy for PDD may help you control your symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life. Get yourself checked out by a mental health specialist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan if you suspect you’re dealing with PDD.
Also Read: Understanding Major Depressive Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments